WATCH: Virat Kohli's team win intense fielding drill ahead of India vs Bangladesh Test series
EXPLAINED: How Hardik Pandya evaded Ishan Kishan-Shreyas Iyer-like treatment in BCCI's central contract in the eleventh hour?
It has been learnt that BCCI had a conversation with Hardik Pandya before announcing central contract of Indian players. Hardik Pandya secure Grade A central contract.
Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer are recognised as top-notch batters for Team India, yet they found themselves being excluded from the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) annual central contracts list released on February 28. Both Iyer and Kishan were absent from the list of 30 players selected for the 2023-2024 season. Following their exclusion from the BCCI contracts, ex-Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan highlighted the intriguing situation of Hardik Pandya in a notable post.
The reason behind the lack of contract renewals for Iyer and Kishan was their non-compliance with the BCCI's instruction to participate in the Ranji Trophy. Kishan did not participate in the Ranji season for Jharkhand, and Iyer, after leaving the Indian Test team, was unavailable for Mumbai's quarterfinal match against Baroda. Meanwhile, Pandya, Kishan's fellow Mumbai Indians player and an all-rounder, secured a Grade A contract from the BCCI for the 2023-2024 season.
ALSO READ: Revealed: How many warm-up matches will Team India play before T20 World Cup 2024?
How Hardik Pandya avoided Kishan-Iyer-like treatment?
In his social media post, Irfan Pathan hinted that Pandya was evaluated differently. As an all-rounder, Pandya only participates in India's white-ball matches. The question arises, how did Pandya dodge the same fate as Kishan and Iyer at the final hour? A report by the Indian Express reveals that Pandya has committed to playing for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s and the Vijay Hazare Trophy whenever he is not involved with the national team. A senior official from the BCCI confirmed that Pandya has promised to participate in domestic competitions with Baroda during his breaks from international cricket.
Pandya's participation in Ranji Trophy considered out of the question
“We have had discussions with Pandya, who has been told to play domestic white-ball tournaments when he is available. At this stage, according to the assessment of the BCCI’s medical team, he is not in a position to bowl in red-ball tournaments. So playing Ranji Trophy is out of the equation for Pandya. But he has to play other white-ball tournaments if there are no India commitments. If not, he will miss out on a contract,” the official was quoted as saying.
What Lies Ahead for Hardik Pandya?
As he recovers from an ankle injury in preparation for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), Pandya made his return to competitive cricket at the DY Patil tournament, marking his first appearance since the 2023 World Cup. Playing for the Reliance One team in this local competition, Pandya took two wickets and conceded 22 runs over three overs. The newly named captain of the Mumbai Indians also undertook individual training in Vadodara. Additionally, Pandya has been proactive in ensuring his fitness levels are regularly assessed at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The 30-year-old's most recent match for India was against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in 2023.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Smriti Mandhana's maiden WPL fifty goes in vain as RCB lose 6 wickets for 18 runs, DC win by 25 runs
Former Sunrisers Hyderabad player alleges match-fixing in Kolkata's division cricket, prompts reaction from CAB President Ganguly
Not Krunal Pandya, Lucknow Super Giants announce this overseas recruit as their vice-captain for IPL 2024
Popular Posts
IND vs BAN: Rohit Sharma on verge of two milestones during India vs Bangladesh Test series
After Rinku Singh, Virat Kohli gives unique gift to RCB teammate ahead of Bangladesh Test series: see PHOTO
WATCH: MS Dhoni enjoys time in USA with friends, spotted watching NFL game in Michigan amidst CSK retention rumors for IPL 2025
IND vs BAN: Axar Patel likely to be rested for first Test match between India and Bangladesh; Check details
Exclusive | 'Bumrah liked me so much and asked me the grip': Pakistan-born pacer reveals 'even Rohit couldn't pick my deliveries'
Travis Head names young Indian batter who ‘makes bowling look slow’, predicts him to be ‘an absolute freak’
Ravichandran Ashwin set to break plethora of records in Test series against Bangladesh: Check details
'He switched on the karaoke and...': R Ashwin recalls Ravi Shastri's lifted team's spirits after 36 all out vs Australia by singing at team dinner
'Some new promising players who no longer have...': Sunil Gavaskar warns Rohit Sharma's India ahead of Test series against Bangladesh