Here Are The Indian Players Excluded From BCCI’s Central Contract List For 2024–25

In a year already full of defining moments and transitions within Indian cricket, the recent announcement of the BCCI Central Contract list for the 2024–25 season has added another layer of intrigue. While it celebrates the brilliance and consistency of marquee names like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja, it equally creates a stir for the notable names who didn’t make the cut.

With 34 players awarded central contracts, the latest list does more than allocate retainers—it outlines the ethos of the future. The exclusions, many of them seasoned campaigners or highly-hyped youngsters, point to a decisive shift in the BCCI’s outlook, highlighting a fierce commitment to fitness, current form, discipline, and future readiness.

Ashwin’s Predictable Exit: A Graceful Goodbye

Let’s begin with the most logical omission—Ravichandran Ashwin. One of the most intelligent and skilled bowlers India has ever produced, Ashwin recently announced his retirement from international cricket. With 490 Test wickets, Ashwin’s contribution to India’s red-ball dominance is monumental. But as the BCCI gears up for a new era, his absence from the contract list isn’t just procedural—it symbolizes the beginning of a generational turnover.

Ashwin’s omission represents an inevitable conclusion rather than a slight. His withdrawal signals the BCCI’s intent to now look at nurturing the next crop of spinners—Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, and Saurabh Kumar—as long-term prospects.

Shardul Thakur: A Stalwart Fading from the Frame

One of the more surprising exclusions is Shardul Thakur. Known for his game-changing spells and handy lower-order batting, Shardul has been a reliable utility player across formats. However, inconsistency, declining pace, and injury niggles appear to have dimmed his star.

In recent months, Shardul’s performances have seen diminishing returns. His economy rate in ODIs has worsened, and in Tests, he hasn’t been as penetrative. The BCCI’s decision reflects a move away from stop-gap options towards grooming specialists who can hold down places long-term. While Shardul’s absence might sting, it’s a reminder that impact needs to be consistent, not sporadic.

Behind the Stumps: Jitesh Sharma & KS Bharat Left Behind

The wicketkeeping department is one where the competition is intense. With Rishabh Pant staging a roaring comeback in IPL 2025 and KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan still in the mix, the exclusion of Jitesh Sharma and KS Bharat isn’t entirely unexpected but certainly telling.

Jitesh, despite flashes of brilliance with the bat and gloves in limited-overs cricket, hasn’t converted potential into consistent international performance. Bharat, meanwhile, has struggled to stamp his authority as a red-ball specialist. The message from the BCCI is clear—competition is tight, and consistency is the only currency that counts.

The Young Speed Brigade: Wake-Up Call for India’s Pace Hopefuls

Perhaps the most significant talking point lies in the absence of young pace bowlers once touted as the future of Indian fast bowling. Umran Malik, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Vidwath Kaverappa have all been omitted from the central contracts list. Just two seasons ago, Umran Malik was the toast of the town for clocking 150+ kph deliveries. Avesh was a regular in white-ball squads. Yet, both find themselves on the outside looking in.

What went wrong?

The answer lies in a cocktail of fitness issues, erratic form, injury concerns, and perhaps even a dip in hunger. The BCCI’s message here is unmissable: Hype cannot replace hard yards. There’s no place for stagnation. These omissions serve as a wake-up call to every promising youngster—the path to the top requires sustained discipline, work ethic, and hunger.

The Contract Structure: A Transparent Performance Barometer

The BCCI’s central contract structure has four categories:

Grade A+ – ₹7 crore
Grade A – ₹5 crore
Grade B – ₹3 crore
Grade C – ₹1 crore

It’s not just about money. These categories reflect the performance status and expected contributions across all formats. For a player to remain in the top bracket, he must deliver consistently, stay fit, remain available across formats, and show leadership traits—either on or off the field.

The exclusion of some high-profile names, especially those who were formerly in Grade B or C, reinforces a meritocratic ecosystem. This ensures that contracts are rewards, not entitlements.

The Bigger Picture: India’s T20 World Cup and WTC Roadmap

These exclusions need to be understood within the context of the BCCI’s twin goals—winning the T20 World Cup in 2026 and qualifying for the World Test Championship final again.

To build a sustainable T20 squad, selectors are increasingly tilting towards explosive finishers, multi-utility players, and agile fielders. In Tests, the focus is on wrist spin, genuine pace, and batting depth. Veterans who cannot match this vision, and youngsters who haven’t evolved or maintained consistency, are naturally falling behind.

No Room for Complacency: The Rise of Domestic Performers

While seasoned names exit the scene, the emergence of new players is equally encouraging. Rinku Singh, Jitesh’s one-time rival, now finds himself as a finisher in demand. Players like Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, and Mukesh Kumar—once domestic workhorses—are now rewarded with central contracts.

This shift shows that the BCCI is closely watching domestic cricket and India A tours, valuing those who grind through the Ranji and Vijay Hazare circuits. It is no longer enough to ride the IPL wave; players must dominate across levels.

Fitness: The Non-Negotiable Pillar

Another key aspect shaping the contract decisions is fitness. The BCCI, under strength and conditioning heads at the NCA, has made it clear—Yo-Yo test results, injury recovery periods, and match availability are central to future planning. Players like Avesh and Umran, who have faced injury layoffs, must now prove their durability as much as their skills.

No More Reputation Leverage: Evolution Is Key

Indian cricket is entering a phase where reputation doesn’t guarantee relevance. The axe on familiar names serves as a stark reminder—you either evolve, or you’re replaced. From Shardul to Jitesh to Umran, players now need to reinvent themselves, correct technical flaws, or carve out a niche to stay in contention.

It’s a system that rewards not just performance but the ability to adapt, to fit into team strategies, and to bring something unique to the table.

Social Media Buzz and Expert Reactions

Unsurprisingly, cricket Twitter and fan forums lit up after the announcement. Reactions ranged from shock to support. Many questioned the absence of players like Umran Malik, while others praised the BCCI’s uncompromising stance on performance and fitness.

Former cricketers chimed in too:

Sanjay Manjrekar: “I like what I see. The contract list is a fair reflection of where Indian cricket is headed—fit, fierce, and future-focused.”
Wasim Jaffer: “Big message here. Perform or perish. No room for reputation to keep you in. Youngsters better take note.”

What Lies Ahead for the Omitted Players?

Being dropped from the central contract list is not the end of the road. Far from it. It’s an invitation to recalibrate, improve, and return stronger. With IPL 2025, domestic tournaments, and India A tours, there’s plenty of opportunity for redemption.

For players like KS Bharat, Shardul Thakur, or Umran Malik, the road back will require hunger, introspection, and improvement. The system has proven that comebacks are possible—Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, and even KL Rahul have done it before.

A Bold Blueprint for the Future

The BCCI’s 2024–25 central contract list isn’t just an annual financial update—it’s a declaration of vision. A vision that values performance over past glories, fitness over flair, and domestic grind over media hype. The exclusions—though tough—are necessary growing pains for a cricketing system transitioning into a new age of excellence.

Indian cricket is on the cusp of a golden generation, and the message is crystal clear: you either rise to meet the standard, or you get left behind.

As the journey toward the next World Cup cycles and Test Championship finals begins, fans can be assured that the blueprint is bold, the intent is clear, and the standards have never been higher.

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