On Wednesday, former India coach Ravi Shastri encouraged Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who were stripped of their BCCI central contracts for refusing to participate in the Ranji Trophy, to bounce back stronger. The BCCI released a list of this year's centrally-contracted players on Wednesday. Iyer and Kishan were not taken into consideration in any category, but captain Rohit Sharma, superstar batsman Virat Kohli, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, and elite all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja kept their spots in the top group.
'In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, ShreyasIyer15 and ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you'll conquer once again,' Shastri wrote.
The 25-year-old Kishan was not on national duty since departing from the South Africa tour in December of last year, citing personal reasons, but he did not show up for Jharkhand during the team's Ranji Trophy campaign.
Instead, he has been concentrating on getting ready for the Indian Premier League, which begins next month.
After being left out of the Indian team after the second Test against England, Iyer did not declare himself eligible for Mumbai's Ranji quarterfinal matchup against Baroda.
But he's been selected for the Ranji semifinals, which begin on March 2.
'Big applause to BCCI and JayShah for the game-changing move with 'fast bowling' contracts,' Shastri remarked, praising the board. An essential stage in preparation for the Australian leg of the year. The focus on domestic and test cricket sends a strong statement and sets the stage for the future of our cherished sport. 'Sanjay Manjrekar, a former batter for India, too commended the BCCI for rewarding players who are prepared to work hard in the Test format.
'Well done to BCCI for rewarding players who want to play the tough cricket and only for one reason to face the 'acid test' as cricketers,' Manjrekar said on Twitter.
The BCCI reiterated its advice to all Indian cricket players to play local matches when they are not serving their country when announcing the central contracts.
Iyer and Kishan's expulsion serves as a harsh warning to young players who prefer to chase white-ball glory and lucrative IPL contracts over putting in the hard work required in first-class cricket.
Also Read: Ishan and Iyer dropped from BCCI Annual Contract List for 2023 to 24
