Will Rohit-Kohli get Grade A+ contract?

Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Get the Grade A+ BCCI Contract?

Rohit-Kohli get Grade A+ contract? In the constantly evolving landscape of Indian cricket, central contracts issued by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) are a significant barometer of a player’s form, commitment, and expected contribution to the national team. The highest bracket — the Grade A+ contract — is reserved for elite cricketers playing across all three formats. As of 2025, the discussion around whether veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will continue to hold this elite position has reignited public debate and divided the cricketing fraternity.

Understanding the BCCI Central Contracts

The BCCI awards its contracted players in four categories: Grade A+ (₹7 crore), Grade A (₹5 crore), Grade B (₹3 crore), and Grade C (₹1 crore). These contracts are typically evaluated annually based on the player’s participation in international matches across formats, fitness, discipline, and overall contribution to Indian cricket. Grade A+ is generally given to players who are automatic selections in all formats — Test, ODI, and T20I.

Why the Controversy Over Rohit and Kohli?

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the biggest names in modern Indian cricket, have been stalwarts for over a decade. Both have been consistent performers and have led the national team at various stages. However, by early 2024, both had retired from T20Is, focusing primarily on ODIs and Tests (Kohli occasionally). Their absence from one format automatically puts a question mark on their eligibility for the A+ category.

The BCCI’s traditional criteria for A+ require participation in all formats. Still, sources suggest that Rohit and Kohli may retain their A+ contracts in a special consideration — a move that has divided fans and experts alike.

Arguments For Retaining A+ Contracts

Legacy and Longevity: Both players have given their best years to Indian cricket and led the team with pride and dignity. Their contribution extends beyond performance — they have carried the emotional weight of Indian fans for years.
Fitness and Form: Despite not playing T20Is, both players remain extremely fit and deliver match-winning performances in ODIs and Tests.
Global Icons: Retaining them in the highest bracket reflects their stature and avoids sending a negative message to fans and aspiring cricketers about how legends are treated.
Commercial Value: Kohli and Rohit continue to be marketing goldmines, attracting fans and sponsors alike. Dropping them to a lower grade could have commercial repercussions.

Arguments Against Retaining A+ Contracts

Strict Criteria: The A+ bracket has always been reserved for three-format players. Making exceptions could compromise the integrity of the system and raise fairness issues for other players.
Setting a Precedent: Rewarding players not playing all formats may set a difficult precedent. Should KL Rahul, Bumrah, or Shubman Gill demand A+ too, even if they skip one format?
Focus on Youth: With a new generation emerging — Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma — some believe that incentives should motivate those building long-term careers.

Rohit-Kohli in Numbers: Still Elite?

Let’s take a look at their recent performances:

Rohit Sharma (2023–2025): Rohit scored over 1,200 runs in ODIs and averaged 42 in Tests. He was the highest run-scorer for India in the 2023 World Cup and led the team to the final.
Virat Kohli (2023–2025): Kohli amassed over 1,500 ODI runs in 2023, including four centuries. His Test form remains steady, averaging 45+ with two centuries against England in 2024.

These stats show that, despite format retirement, they continue to deliver where they play.

What the Experts Say

Cricket experts and former players are also divided on the issue:

Harbhajan Singh: “They may not play all three formats, but they are irreplaceable. Kohli and Rohit must be treated differently.”

Aakash Chopra: “If the rule says A+ is for three-format players, then the rule should apply to everyone. Sentiments can’t guide policy.”

Sunil Gavaskar: “Virat and Rohit bring more than just runs. They bring belief. That’s invaluable.”

Fan Reaction on Social Media

Fans have taken to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to express their views. Hashtags like #GradeAPlus, #KohliDeservesIt, and #RespectRohit have trended periodically.

However, some fans of younger players argue that a transparent and merit-based system is crucial. “We love Kohli, but rules are rules,” said one viral tweet with 20k likes.

How the BCCI Might Justify the Decision

There’s speculation that the BCCI might tweak the A+ definition to include “high impact players” or “multi-format legends still active in two formats.” This would allow Kohli and Rohit to stay without bending rules too openly.

It’s also possible that both players might voluntarily shift to Grade A to let younger players move up. Kohli especially has taken such mature calls in the past, including stepping down from captaincy to allow transition.

The Bigger Picture: Contracts and Motivation

Ultimately, central contracts aren’t just about money — they reflect acknowledgment, value, and status. Younger players look up to these legends. Ensuring that legends are respected while maintaining fairness is a tricky but essential balance.

Comparisons With Other Nations

Globally, other boards like Cricket Australia or ECB offer top contracts to players based on formats and contribution, not just presence in all formats. For example:

Steve Smith remains in the top tier even if he doesn’t play T20s.
Joe Root is a Test specialist but still commands one of England’s top contracts.

India could adopt a similar model where format-specific legends are retained at the highest grade based on performance and stature.

What Will Happen?

Though the final list is yet to be officially published, sources within the BCCI suggest both Kohli and Rohit will likely retain their A+ status. Even if they are not regular T20 players, their form, fan base, and leadership roles make them essential assets to the team.

What’s certain is that the BCCI faces a delicate decision — one that must blend respect for contribution with fairness in evaluation.

Conclusion

The debate over whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should receive A+ contracts underlines a key challenge in modern Indian cricket — honoring legends while paving the way for the next generation. While contractual rules exist for consistency, exceptions for truly exceptional players like Kohli and Rohit can also be justified with nuance and communication.

If the BCCI does retain them in A+, it must also articulate the rationale clearly — perhaps framing it as a tribute to players who have gone above and beyond in shaping India’s cricketing identity. On the other hand, if the board decides to downgrade them to Grade A, fans must see it as a process-driven decision rather than a slight.

Whatever the outcome, one thing remains clear: Kohli and Rohit will always be Grade A+ in the hearts of Indian cricket lovers.