Why Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan Were Removed from Central Contract ?

In a surprising move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced that Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have been removed from the central contract list. This decision has raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts and sparked speculation about the reasons behind it.

Trend of Prioritizing IPL Over Domestic Cricket

The BCCI has expressed concern about a recent trend among Indian players, where they prioritize playing in the IPL over participating in domestic cricket. This shift in focus has prompted the board to consider implementing a strict policy to discourage players from making 'playing IPL to IPL' a habit. BCCI secretary Jay Shah highlighted the importance of domestic cricket as the foundation of Indian cricket and emphasized that performance in domestic cricket remains a critical yardstick for selection.

Shreyas Iyer's Decision and Consequences

Shreyas Iyer, a talented middle-order batsman, found himself in hot water after he chose to ignore the BCCI's warning and opted out of participating in the Ranji Trophy. The decision was met with disappointment and raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts. According to reports, Iyer informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) that he was unavailable for selection due to an injury. However, the National Cricket Association's Head of Sports Science and Medicine, Nitin Patel, wrote an email to the MCA selectors stating that Iyer was, in fact, fit to play.

This conflicting information added fuel to the controversy surrounding Iyer's decision. As a result of his absence from domestic cricket, Iyer now faces the consequences of being excluded from the list of centrally contracted players by the BCCI. This exclusion may have a significant impact on his career, as it could limit his opportunities for selection in the national team and affect his chances of participating in prestigious tournaments.

Ishan Kishan's Decision and its Ramifications

Ishan Kishan, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, also chose to disregard the BCCI's warning and did not participate in the Ranji Trophy. Kishan's decision to prioritize other commitments over domestic cricket raised concerns among cricket fans and experts. Despite being a highly regarded talent, Kishan has faced criticism for his lack of participation in domestic matches.

The BCCI's exclusion of Kishan from the list of centrally contracted players is a clear statement that the board values the importance of domestic cricket and expects players to fulfill their responsibilities towards it. This exclusion may serve as a wake-up call for Kishan, urging him to reconsider his priorities and emphasize the significance of domestic cricket in his career.

Shreyas Iyer's Journey in Indian Cricket

Shreyas Iyer, a talented middle-order batsman, burst onto the international cricket scene in 2017. He quickly made a name for himself with his aggressive batting style and ability to handle pressure situations. Iyer's ability to score runs consistently in domestic cricket earned him a spot in the Indian team.

However, in recent times, Iyer has been plagued by injuries, which have hampered his progress and limited his playing time. He suffered a shoulder injury during the India-England series earlier this year, which required surgery and extensive rehabilitation. This setback resulted in Iyer missing the Indian Premier League (IPL) and subsequent international matches.

Ishan Kishan's Rise to Prominence

Ishan Kishan, a young wicketkeeper-batsman, made his mark in the cricketing world with his explosive batting and agility behind the stumps. He shot to fame during the 2020 edition of the IPL when he captained the Mumbai Indians and played some exceptional innings.

Kishan's fearless approach to batting and his ability to take on the best bowlers in the world caught the attention of selectors. He was rewarded with a place in the Indian team for the T20 series against England earlier this year. Kishan made an immediate impact by scoring a blistering fifty on his debut.

However, after a promising start, Kishan's form dipped, and he struggled to make an impact in subsequent matches. His lack of consistent performances in international cricket might have been a factor in his exclusion from the central contract.

Lessons Learned and the Way Forward

The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the list of centrally contracted players should serve as a wake-up call for all cricketers, reminding them of the importance of domestic cricket in their careers. It highlights the need for players to strike a balance between their commitments to the Indian Premier League and their responsibilities towards domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy.

Moving forward, it is crucial for players to understand that success in domestic cricket lays a solid foundation for a successful international career. By actively participating in domestic tournaments and showcasing their skills, players can catch the attention of selectors and increase their chances of representing the national team. The exclusion of Iyer and Kishan should be seen as an opportunity for all cricketers to reflect on their priorities and make informed decisions regarding their participation in domestic cricket.

Conclusion

The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the list of centrally contracted players by the BCCI serves as a stark reminder of the importance of domestic cricket in a player's career. It underscores the need for players to prioritize their participation in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and highlights the potential consequences of disregarding such commitments. While this exclusion may have immediate ramifications for Iyer and Kishan, it also presents an opportunity for all cricketers to reassess their priorities and make informed decisions that will benefit their long-term careers in the sport.