Why have Rohit and Virat got ₹7-crore contract despite retiring from T20I cricket?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the annual contracts for the national team players, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja being retained in the A+ category (₹7 crore). This decision has raised eyebrows among cricket fans and experts alike, as all three players have retired from T20 International cricket after the T20 World Cup in June 2024.
The assessment period for the contracts was from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, which means that Rohit, Virat, and Jadeja were no longer active in T20Is during this period. Typically, the A+ category is reserved for players who are active across all three formats – Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. So, what factors led the BCCI to retain them in this category despite their retirement from T20I cricket?
One possible reason is their continued presence in the Test and ODI formats. Rohit, Virat, and Jadeja have all been integral members of the Indian Test and ODI teams, and their performances in these formats are still considered significant. Rohit, in particular, has been a dominant force in Test cricket, with 26 centuries and over 7,000 runs to his name. Virat, on the other hand, has been an impressive Test captain, leading the team to several victories and scoring over 7,000 runs himself. Jadeja, with his all-round abilities, has been a valuable asset to the team in both Tests and ODIs.
Another reason could be their influence on the team’s overall performance. As senior players, Rohit, Virat, and Jadeja have been leaders and role models for the younger players in the team. Their experience, skill, and leadership qualities continue to be valuable assets to the team, even if they are no longer playing T20Is. The BCCI might have considered their contributions to the team’s overall performance and decided to retain them in the A+ category as a recognition of their importance.
It’s also worth noting that the BCCI has been emphasizing the importance of Test cricket in recent times. With the ICC World Test Championship and the inaugural Test League, the Board is looking to promote the longest format of the game. Rohit, Virat, and Jadeja have all been key players in this push, and their continued presence in the Test team is crucial for the Board’s plans.
However, some experts have criticized the decision, saying that it sets a bad precedent and could lead to other players demanding similar treatment. “It’s unfair to the other players who are still actively playing T20Is,” said a former Indian cricketer. “Rohit, Virat, and Jadeja have had a great career, but they should not be rewarded for something they no longer do.”
While this criticism has some merit, it’s also important to consider the context in which the BCCI made this decision. The assessment period for the contracts was during a time when Rohit, Virat, and Jadeja were still actively playing Test and ODI cricket. The Board might have decided to recognize their performances during this period, even if they have since retired from T20Is.
In conclusion, the decision to retain Rohit, Virat, and Jadeja in the A+ category (₹7 crore) despite their retirement from T20I cricket is a complex one. While it may seem unfair to some, it’s also a recognition of their continued importance to the team and their contributions to the game. As the BCCI looks to promote Test cricket and develop the next generation of players, it’s likely that senior players like Rohit, Virat, and Jadeja will continue to play a key role in the team’s success.
Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/862350bb-a054-44ee-b611-7f634e1d4b8f
