Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s A+ contract at risk? BCCI makes big revelation after Test retirements

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia has opened up about veteran duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future in the 2024-25 central contracts. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will remain in the Grade A+ category despite their recent retirements from T20I and Test formats.

Virat and Rohit recently announced their retirements from Tests. They ended their careers in the longest format before the England tour in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. Their departures have created significant gaps in the Indian Test team as they prepare for the upcoming series.

BCCI Confirms Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Will Remain in Grade A+ Category

Earlier in April, the BCCI announced the 2024-25 central contracts. Virat and Rohit were placed in the Grade A+ category, alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja.

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Devajit Saikia confirmed on Wednesday that Kohli and Rohit will remain in the Grade A+ category. He added that as long as they are part of the Indian team, they will continue to receive all the benefits associated with this top-tier contract.

"Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's grade A+ contract will continue despite their retirement from the T20Is and Tests. They are still part of the Indian cricket team, and they will get all the facilities of Grade A+," Devajit Saikia told ANI.

Fans Question Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Retention in Grade A+ Contracts

Following the retirement of Virat and Rohit from Test and T20I formats, some fans questioned whether the pair would retain their Grade A+ contracts. However, since the contracts were issued for the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, both players will remain in the top grade.

Alongside Kohli and Rohit, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja are the other two players currently holding A+ contracts. While the senior duo will retain their status for now, they are likely to be downgraded in the next contract cycle due to their reduced participation.

Meanwhile, with the England tour beginning on June 20, the Indian team will need to find replacements for the experienced pair. A leadership change is also on the horizon, with Shubman Gill emerging as the leading candidate to take over the captaincy.

Virat Kohli Finishes as India’s Fourth-Highest Run-Scorer in Tests

Virat Kohli shocked the cricketing world by retiring from Test cricket. He ended a 14-year career in the format. Kohli scored 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with a top score of 254*. He is behind legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.

Rohit Sharma made his announcement on May 7. In his 11-year Test career, Rohit played 67 matches, scoring 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57. The right-handed batter hit 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, with a career-best 212 against South Africa in 2019. He is India's 16th-highest scorer in the format.

Both players also announced their retirement from T20 Internationals following the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue secured their second T20 World Cup title in Barbados last year.

Also read: "Should play till 50 years of age" - Yograj Singh's stunning take on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's retirement