The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently announced its annual contract list for the 2022-23 season. The list includes several changes that have caught the attention of cricket fans. In the A+ category, which features the highest-paid players, the usual suspects like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja are included. The A category, which has a lower salary than A+, includes Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Rishabh Pant, and Axar Patel. The B and C categories, which have progressively lower salaries, feature some of the younger players.
One noticeable change in the annual contract list is the absence of two prominent Indian cricketers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ajinkya Rahane, from the central contract list. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is known for his swing bowling skills and has been a significant part of India's limited-overs team for many years. Ajinkya Rahane, on the other hand, is a dependable top-order batsman and a vital member of India's test team. While their absence from the central contract list may come as a surprise to many, it is a clear indication that the BCCI is prioritizing performance and form over reputation and experience.
Sanju Samson, a talented wicketkeeper-batsman, has made his way into the BCCI annual contract list for the first time. Sanju has been in excellent form lately, and his inclusion in the C category is a testament to his recent performances. He has been a standout performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL), scoring heavily for the Rajasthan Royals. Samson's inclusion in the annual contract list is a clear indication that the BCCI is keeping a close eye on promising young talent and rewarding them for their performances.
The annual contract list for the 2022-23 season provides an insight into the BCCI's strategy for the upcoming season. The inclusion of several young players in the B and C categories suggests that the board is looking to build a strong core of players for the future. This is a wise move, given that the T20 World Cup, the next significant ICC tournament, is scheduled to take place in Australia in October-November 2022. The BCCI is likely to focus on identifying and grooming talented players who can perform well in Australian conditions.
In conclusion, the BCCI's annual contract list for 2022-23 indicates the board's strategy for the upcoming season. The exclusion of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ajinkya Rahane from the central contract list highlights the significance of performance and form over reputation and experience. The inclusion of Sanju Samson in the annual contract list indicates that the BCCI is looking to reward promising young talent. With the T20 World Cup around the corner, the BCCI's focus on building a strong core of players for the future is a smart move.