The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to announce its central contracts for 2025, and excitement is building around the inclusion of several emerging talents. While the list is expected to remain largely consistent with previous years, a few young cricketers are likely to secure their spots due to their impressive performances.
Table of Contents
Abhishek Sharma: A Rising Batter
Leading the pack is Abhishek Sharma, the dynamic left-handed batter from Punjab, known for his explosive performances with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. At 24, Abhishek has already made a mark in international cricket, particularly in T20Is, where he has played 12 matches in the specified period (October to September). His consistent form is likely to earn him a Grade C contract, which comes with an annual retainership of INR 1 crore.
Nitish Reddy: The All-Round Prodigy
Another name to watch is Nitish Reddy, the 21-year-old all-rounder from Andhra. With five Test matches and four T20Is under his belt, Nitish has met the BCCI’s eligibility criteria for a central contract. His standout performances, especially during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series in Australia, have solidified his case for inclusion in the 2025 list.
Harshit Rana: A Promising Pacer
Harshit Rana, a fast bowler with immense potential, is also in contention. Although he hasn’t met the minimum match requirements in any single format (two Tests, five ODIs, and one T20I), his cumulative international appearances make him a strong candidate. The BCCI may offer him a contract to nurture his growth as a key player for India’s pace attack.
Other Notable Mentions
Besides these young stars, spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, with four ODIs and 18 T20Is, is expected to secure a contract. Shreyas Iyer, who shone brightly in the recent Champions Trophy, is also likely to be included. Meanwhile, senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja will continue to lead the A+ category, with minimal changes anticipated in the overall gradings.
What’s Next?
The BCCI is expected to finalize and announce the central contracts within the next few days, alongside updates to the Indian team’s support staff. These contracts play a crucial role in supporting players financially and ensuring the growth of Indian cricket’s talent pipeline.
Stay tuned for more updates on Indian cricket and the rising stars shaping the future of the game!