By Robert 
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to release its much-anticipated list of centrally contracted players, and while the overall structure is expected to remain largely unchanged, a few new faces are likely to earn their maiden contracts. Among them are promising talents Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, and Harshit Rana—each having impressed with their recent performances across formats.
Abhishek Sharma Set for Grade C Contract
Leading the list is Abhishek Sharma, the dynamic left-handed batter from Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The 24-year-old has emerged as one of the most consistent young performers in both domestic cricket and the IPL. With 17 T20Is under his belt—12 of those within the eligible period (typically October to September)—Abhishek comfortably qualifies for the Grade C contract, which guarantees an annual retainership of INR 1 crore.
As per BCCI’s standard criteria, any player who has featured in at least three Tests, eight ODIs, or 10 T20Is during the evaluation period qualifies for a Grade C contract on a pro-rata basis.
Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana Also in Contention
Nitish Reddy, the 21-year-old all-rounder from Andhra, is also likely to make the cut. Having featured in five Tests and four T20Is, Reddy meets the eligibility requirements through his appearances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. His growing stature as a reliable all-rounder makes him a strong contender for inclusion in the upcoming contract list.
Harshit Rana, meanwhile, finds himself on the fringe of qualification. Although he hasn’t fulfilled the minimum matches required in any single format—having played two Tests, five ODIs, and one T20I—the BCCI is likely to consider his cumulative appearances and promising trajectory. His inclusion would mark a progressive step in backing emerging talent.
Other Notable Inclusions
Varun Chakaravarthy, with four ODIs and 18 T20Is, is also expected to be part of the new contract cycle. Additionally, Shreyas Iyer, fresh from a standout campaign in the Champions Trophy, should retain his place.
As for the senior pros, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja are set to remain in the A+ category, which is reserved for the most elite players in the system. Only minor changes—perhaps involving two or three players—are expected in the existing grading tiers.
Contract Announcement and Support Staff Changes Imminent
The official list of central contracts is expected to be announced in the next couple of days. Alongside the contracts, BCCI is also set to reveal updates to the support staff across Indian teams—a process believed to have been finalized in recent meetings.
With the inclusion of young stars and continued backing of senior players, BCCI’s upcoming contract list is poised to reflect a balanced mix of experience and promise.