Rohit and Kohli are the diamonds of Indian cricket, says former India player

Dubai: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has led his team to two major titles — the Twenty20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy — in just six months, with India losing only one match in their last three major tournaments. Despite this remarkable consistency, reports now suggest a surprising twist: Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja could be at risk of losing their Grade A+ contracts.

The report claims that discussions regarding the BCCI central contracts will take place during the high-profile meeting on March 29 in Guwahati, with the selection committee divided over the future of the stars, according to Dainik Jagran.

It is understandable that players who are part of the Indian team across all three formats are given Grade A+ contracts, but the retirement of the trio has only complicated matters. After winning the Champions Trophy, Rohit Sharma told the media that he is not retiring from the 50-over format. Kohli and Jadeja also underlined their intentions to continue in the format, with the World Cup set to be held in 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Jasprit Bumrah, the other Grade A+ member, is likely to retain his position. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer, who was dropped from the Central Contracts due to disciplinary issues, is likely to regain his contract after excelling in the Champions Trophy and India’s domestic cricket, and now as the captain of the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.

While the stars’ place in the team and their Central Contracts have become a hot topic, they have found a passionate supporter in Yograj Singh. The former cricketer, known for holding back no punches, called them priceless gems and a huge asset to Indian cricket.

Speaking on Taruwar Kohli’s “Find a Way” podcast, Yograj said: “If you make me the coach of the Indian team, I will use these same players to transform it into a side that will be unbeatable for ages.”

“People are always ready to throw them out — drop Rohit Sharma or drop Kohli — but why? They are going through a rough patch. I would treat them like my kids and tell them, ‘I am with you.’ I’ll tell them, let’s play Ranji Trophy, or I will make Rohit run 20km. Nobody does that. These players are diamonds. You don’t throw them out. I will be like their father.”

As discussions loom over their future in the Central Contracts, Rohit and Kohli’s legacy in Indian cricket remains unquestionable. While the selection committee mulls their fate, it’s clear that these two stalwarts have earned more than just support — they’ve earned the right to be treated as the priceless assets they truly are.