The former India cricketer Aakash Chopra analyzed the central contract list for the 2025–26 season which the BCCI released as part of their annual contract process. He objected to the BCCI decision which assigned T20 vice-captain Axar Patel to Grade C.
Changes in the Central Contract List
- The BCCI introduced a new contract structure for the upcoming season. The A+ grade has been removed. The Grade A category contains only Jasprit Bumrah Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja. The B grade contains both senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
- Axar Patel who previously held Grade B status has been demoted to Grade C. Aakash Chopra expressed his disapproval of this decision.
Concerns Raised by Aakash Chopra
- Aakash Chopra expressed his surprise on the social media platform X. He challenged the decision to give Axar Patel Grade C status because of his actual performance and role within the team. Axar plays all three formats and holds the position of Indian T20 vice-captain.
- Chopra believed that Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav should receive Grade A contracts. He stated that Arshdeep Singh should not have been placed in Grade C.
Questions on Player Evaluation
- Chopra established that Axar Patel competes in T20I and ODI matches while remaining Test selection eligible. The team assigned him a lower grade although he met all requirements. He showed that Kuldeep Yadav competes in all three formats yet did not make the Grade A team.
- He showed that Arshdeep Singh stands as India’s top T20 bowler who should have received a better grade. The Grade B designation for Mohammed Siraj who competes in all formats created a question for Chopra.
Tags Cloud
