Former Indian Test Vice Captain, Ajinkya Rahane, along with Cheteshwar Pujara, Hardik Pandya and Wriddhiman Saha have recently been downgraded in the BCCI central contracts. The four categories that have been maintained by the BCCI are A+, A, B, and C. The A+ category has an annual remuneration of Rs 7 crore, whereas, A, B, and C categories have a valuation of Rs 5 crore, Rs 3 crore and Rs 1 crore respectively.
The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ishant Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane who were earlier in Grade A now have been drafted to Grade B. The trio played an integral role in the team in test cricket but are now going through a turbulent phase in their career as they look to regain their spots in the national team. However, it is Hardik Pandya whose value has dropped significantly from Grade A to Grade C. The specialist all-rounder has been struck by injury time and again and that has disallowed him to bowl on regular occasions. The last time Pandya was seen in action for Team India was in the 2021 season of T20I World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
Wriddhiman Saha who has been in the news lately has also been demoted from Grade B to Grade C. Although, Rishabh Pant is now the front-line wicketkeeper in all three formats for India, Saha was the constant backup to Pant in Test Cricket. However, it’s KS Bharat who has now been introduced as India’s backup option with the gloves in hand.
Saha did make some controversial statements on BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and head coach Rahul Dravid which was a breach of contract on his behalf. At this stage, it seems highly unlikely for the 36-year-old to regain his spot back in the squad.
Veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan is also now in Grade C as he’s only been involved in limited-overs format. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been promoted to B from C for his impressive run of performances.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are the only players who belong to the A+ category.