Former India National Cricket Team head coach Ravi Shastri dropped his reaction to the recently announced BCCI central contracts for the 2023-24 season (October 1st, 2023 to September 30th, 2024).
A number of players got their maiden BCCI contracts this time around including the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Mukesh Kumar, and Ravi Bishnoi. Also, some players unfortunately lost their contracts as well.
The biggest shocker from the announcement was the axing of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the central contract list. The duo were permanent members of the Indian team and even featured in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 at home.
However, the decision was made to remove them from the contract list after they didn’t follow BCCI’s directive of participating in domestic red-ball cricket. Kishan made himself unavailable for selection as he asked for a break during the South Africa tour in December 2023 and didn’t take part in any domestic matches while recently making his comeback in the DY Patil T20 Cup.
Iyer, meanwhile, was dropped from India’s Test squad for the last three matches against England and the BCCI wanted him to take part in Ranji Trophy matches which he didn’t do. Despite NCA declaring him fit, he termed back pain as the reason behind not featuring in the Ranji Trophy. However, now he has been included in the Mumbai squad for the semi-final against Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri took to his official X handle to praise BCCI for handing out the new fast bowling contracts to Akash Deep, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal and Vidwath Kaverappa.
“Big applause to @BCCI and @JayShah for the game-changing move with ‘fast bowling’ contracts. A crucial step in gearing up for Down Under later this year. The emphasis on Test Cricket and Domestic Cricket is a powerful message, setting the right tone for the future of our beloved sport!,” the former India National Cricket Team head coach Ravi Shastri wrote on his official X handle.
Big applause to @BCCI and @JayShah for the game-changing move with ‘fast bowling’ contracts. A crucial step in gearing up for Down Under later this year. The emphasis on Test Cricket and Domestic Cricket is a powerful message, setting the right tone for the future of our beloved…
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 28, 2024
Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger – Ravi Shastri
In his next tweet, Shastri directly reacted to the contract snub of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan. He motivated the players to make a strong comeback and stated that their past achievements prove they can once again dominate.
“In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you’ll conquer once again,” Shastri wrote in his next tweet.
In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you’ll conquer once again.
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 28, 2024
After Ravi Shastri, former India National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batsman Deep Dasgupta also hailed BCCI for promoting domestic red-ball cricket and giving separate contracts to fast bowlers.
“Refreshing to see the @BCCI emphasising on the importance of red ball cricket especially the domestic circuit . Also the separate contract for the next gen of fast bowlers, a great idea.
Refreshing to see the @BCCI emphasising on the importance of red ball cricket especially the domestic circuit . Also the separate contract for the next gen of fast bowlers, a great idea.
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) February 28, 2024
As per reports, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are unlikely to be considered for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and there is a question mark over their India comeback.
