“When Jadeja and Ganguly can do it why can’t Iyer, Ishan and Chahal?” Harsha opines on three mega stars’ removal from central contracts
BCCI has shown its might in the recently released central contracts for the men’s players. Their request, hard stance, and formal conversation were taken for a ride by Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, and the two paid the price. Yuzvendra Chahal, a force to reckon with in white-ball cricket, failed to find a place in the list of centrally contracted players.
Iyer and Ishan’s punishment was expected as they dared to take on the Indian cricket board and refused to turn up for their Ranji sides. Harsha Bhogle, the famous commentator, has taken the board’s side but even has a message for three big stars.
“My thoughts on the central contracts. This is a very strong message to players and puts Indian cricket at the forefront. If you have red ball ambition and want to play for India, you must go back and play domestic cricket if you are passed fit. I would like to see an equally strong stance taken at first class cricket level.
“It is entirely possible that red ball cricket isn’t where you see your future or your joy. And that you want to be a purely white ball player; In which case, you must make it clear and play Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare for the state that nurtured you through age group cricket.
“Both Shreyas and Ishan are very gifted players and I expect them to score a lot of runs and fight their way back into the national team. That is how bigger cricketers have done it, whether Ganguly or Laxman or Jadeja or Kumble. It won’t surprise me if Chahal forces his way into contention either.
“I like the idea of fast bowling contracts. We have to look after them and there are so many exciting prospects,” he wrote on X.
However, the trio can still be included in grade C of the contracts on one condition.
According to the new rules in place, cricketers who meet the criteria of playing a minimum of 3 Tests or 8 ODIs or 10 T20Is within the specified period will automatically be included in Grade C on a pro-rata basis. Iyer and Kishan have been part of several international matches in the ongoing cycle. They will be put back into the category system if they play more games and meet the criteria. For Chahal, he needs games under his belt to enter the group.
Chahal has a chance to impress the selection committee in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where he will represent Rajasthan Royals.
Shreyas and Ishan are due to play for Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians, respectively.
Leave a Reply