The BCCI reflects a clear recalibration of India’s performance and selection hierarchy across men’s and women’s cricket. With the A+ category officially removed, contract status now depends more on recent impact, leadership responsibility, and tournament relevance. The promotion or effective elevation of Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, Jemimah Rodrigues, Sneh Rana, and Suryakumar Yadav highlights how the board is prioritising contribution over reputation. These five names collectively explain the direction BCCI is taking as India prepares for the upcoming ICC cycles.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill
The classification of Shubman Gill as a Grade A player is indicative of the increasing significance he has in Indian cricket. His status as captain of both ODI and Test teams reflects the confidence that the BCCI has in him as a leader, rather than simply the results of his recent performances. Although Shubman Gill is not included in India’s team for the T20 World Cup 2026, he remains the highest-paid player under the BCCI’s 2025-26 contract system for red-ball and 50-over format cricket.
Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar
The Washington Sundar BCCI contract upgrade from Grade C to Grade B underlines India’s tactical preference for versatile all-rounders. Despite recent injury concerns, Sundar’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball, especially on slower surfaces, makes him a strategic asset. His promotion signals that role flexibility and match-up value are key considerations in contract evaluations.
Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues
The central contract promotion of Jemimah Rodrigues is based on her impact at tournaments. She helped the team to achieve success in knockout tournaments in her performance during the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, which has resulted in her moving from Grade B to Grade A. The BCCI has focused on rewarding women’s contracts who perform well under pressure, and Jemimah’s rise is in line with this performance-first approach.
Sneh Rana
Sneh Rana
As a bowler who contributes with both bat and ball, this promotion acknowledges some solid consistency at almost every format of cricket. Her efforts during India’s successful Women’s World Cup campaign were also influential in her promotion. The trust placed in players who provide additional depth in both bilateral series, as well as major tournaments, is demonstrated with the awarding of a Grade B contract through BCCI’s 2025–2026 central contracts.
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav is currently classified as Grade B under his current contract, but much of this will come down to context. With the removal of the A+ classification, he has essentially improved (without formally changing grades), given his regular play being that of the National Team’s T20 Captain and supporting BCCI’s methodology for T20 contract valuation based upon good leadership being exhibited by Suryakumar within the W/C.
The new central contract system for BCCI players in 2025-26 will reward players based on current relevance, instead of just their reputations from the past, like the way some of these promotions and upgrades have been done for Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, Jemimah Rodrigues, Sneh Rana & Suryakumar Yadav. Players who continue to perform well and have clearly defined roles will benefit most in the future under this new contract philosophy.
Key Takeaway
The BCCI central contracts 2025-26 prioritise impact, leadership, and tactical value, clearly reflected in the elevation of these five players.
FAQs
What are the BCCI’s 2025-26 contract based on?
They are determined by recent performance, leadership role, workload, and tournament impact.
Why was the A+ grade removed from BCCI contracts?
The removal simplifies grading and increases competition within the top tiers.
Why was Washington Sundar promoted despite injury concerns?
His all-around utility and tactical value outweigh short-term availability issues.
How did Jemimah Rodrigues earn a Grade A contract?
Her decisive performances in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 played a key role.
Is Suryakumar Yadav’s Grade B a demotion?
No. With A+ removed, his status effectively improves within the revised structure.
