Several familiar names were conspicuous by their absence as the BCCI unveiled its central contracts for the 2025–26 season on Monday.
Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan, Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar and Mukesh
Kumar — all part of the previous cycle — have been left out as the board reshuffled its contract list and trimmed the men’s pool from 34 to 30 players.
The BCCI awarded annual retainers to 30 men and 21 women, divided into Groups A, B and C. The A+ category has been scrapped, a structural change that has significantly altered the contract hierarchy.
The message from the BCCI was clear: contracts follow currency, and recent international involvement now matters more than reputation or potential alone.
Despite several promotions and demotions elsewhere, these five players — contracted last season — missed out this time.
Ishan Kishan (Grade C last season)
The wicketkeeper-batter played no international cricket during the assessment period, which proved decisive. Central contracts reward recent international involvement, and despite his strong showing in recent T20 matches and renewed World Cup relevance, the lack of game time cost him.
Sarfaraz Khan (Grade C last season)
Sarfaraz’s omission is tied to limited opportunities and underwhelming returns when they came, including a disappointing New Zealand Test series. That said, given his prolific domestic record and scarce chances, the frustration is understandable.
Mohammed Shami (Grade A last season)
A major name missing. Shami has not represented India since the 2025 Champions Trophy final. Despite his pedigree and domestic involvement, his prolonged absence from the national setup appears to have sealed his fate.
Rajat Patidar (Grade C last season)
Patidar’s international exposure remained minimal, and his Test performances failed to cement a place amid stiff competition in India’s batting order.
Mukesh Kumar (Grade C last season)
Once a beneficiary of rotation, Mukesh has slipped down the pecking order, with selectors backing alternatives such as Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana in the current fast-bowling mix.
