IPL 2025: Is CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to be dropped from BCCI central contract?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who led his team to a convincing win over Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2025 opener, might face a setback in his international career.

According to a report by PTI, Gaikwad's place in the upcoming BCCI central contract list is uncertain as he does not meet the criteria for retention. Despite his leadership role with CSK and their upcoming high-profile clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 28, his lack of recent appearances for India could cost him a spot in the central contract system.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to finalize its men's central contracts, leading to intense speculation over possible changes. With stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja retiring from T20Is, there are discussions about potential adjustments in the A+ category. Last year, the A+ category included Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja, but with the trio now limited to Tests and ODIs, only Bumrah remains an all-format certainty.

An influential section within the BCCI reportedly wants the existing A+ structure to remain unchanged. However, with Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja no longer part of T20Is, some believe a restructuring is necessary. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently retired from international cricket, will not be part of the A category anymore. Instead, Axar Patel, India's new T20I vice-captain, is likely to be promoted from Grade B to Grade A.

A significant comeback candidate in the contract list is Shreyas Iyer, who was dropped last year but is expected to return after playing 11 ODIs this season. Players must fulfill at least one of the following criteria to be considered for a central contract: three Tests, eight ODIs, or ten T20Is in a calendar year. Gaikwad and Shardul Thakur, both part of the previous contract list, have not met this threshold. However, exceptions can be made at the discretion of the selection committee in consultation with the head coach and board secretary.

With young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Akash Deep, and Sarfaraz Khan impressing across formats, they are likely to be included in Grade C contracts. Similarly, Nitish Kumar Reddy, who featured in the entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy and multiple T20Is, is also expected to be inducted.

As BCCI finalizes the central contracts, all eyes will be on whether Ruturaj Gaikwad's IPL exploits will be enough to secure his place or if he will be left out of the list.