The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday 28 announced annual central contracts. While Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were not considered for not prioritising domestic cricket, young Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel did not find their name on the list either. While plenty of new faces were included in Group C, the BCCI explained why Sarfaraz and Dhruv were not eligible to make it into the list.
The board said that players will be included in Grace C on a pro-rata basis if they have fulfilled the minimum requirement of three Tests or eight ODIs or 10 T20Is within the specified period which is from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024.
Both Jurel and Sarfaraz have played two Test matches so far. They will be included in Group C if they play the fifth and final Test of the series against England in Dharamsala.
“For instance, Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan, having played 2 Test matches so far, will be inducted into Grade C if they participate in the Dharamsala Test Match, i.e., the 5th Test of the ongoing series against England,” BCCI said in a statement.
This is the reason why Rajat Patidar got a Grade C contract. While Patidar made his ODI debut against South Africa earlier this year, he would have not been eligible for the contract had he not played three Tests in the ongoing series.
Sarfaraz's emphatic debut
In the absence of big names Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, Sarfaraz made his Test debut in Rajkot. He repaid selectors' faith with twin half-centuries. His inclusion was lauded by many as he delivered consistent performances in domestic cricket.
Jurel – the wicketkeeper-batter in need
Jurel made his Test debut in Rajkot as well. Replacing wicketkeeper-batter Srikar Bharat, he scored 46 runs on his debut and did not get to bat in the second innings. He stood up to the task in the Ranchi Test. He batted with the tail and scored a gutsy 90 to reduce the deficit. In the run chase, he shared a crucial partnership with Shubman Gill scoring an unbeaten 39. He was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his performance.
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