Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Likely to Face Demotion in BCCI Central Contract List, Only Three Players in Category A

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce its much-awaited central contract list for the 2025–26 season soon. However, reports suggest that the upcoming list could witness major changes, including a possible demotion for Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

According to a report by The Times of India, the new contract structure may reflect India’s changing team dynamics, especially considering that both Kohli and Rohit now feature only in the ODI format.

Only Three Players to Feature in Category A

The report claims that for the 2025–26 season, only three players are likely to be included in the prestigious Category A contract list. These players are:

• Shubman Gill
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Ravindra Jadeja

Notably, both Bumrah and Jadeja were earlier placed in the A+ category, but may now be shifted into Category A under the new contract reshuffle.

Kohli and Rohit Could Be Moved to Category B

The biggest highlight of the report is the expected demotion of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who were previously part of the elite A+ category.

As per sources, both players may now be placed in Category B, mainly because they are currently active only in ODI cricket. Kohli and Rohit retired from T20 Internationals in 2024 and later announced their retirement from Test cricket in 2025.

Despite their reduced format participation, both cricketers continue to remain in good form and are reportedly aiming to represent India in the 2027 ODI World Cup, making fitness and performance their top priorities.

Around 30 Players to Get Central Contracts

The BCCI is expected to offer central contracts to around 30 players this season. Reports suggest that approximately 11 players, including Kohli and Rohit, may fall under the Category B bracket.

This indicates that BCCI is likely focusing more on multi-format regulars while reshaping the contract system.

Jemimah Rodrigues Set for Promotion in Women’s Contracts

In a positive development for Indian women’s cricket, star batter Jemimah Rodrigues is likely to receive a promotion in the women’s central contract list.

Rodrigues played a crucial role in India’s victory against Australia in the 2025 Women’s World Cup semi-final, and her performances have reportedly earned her a place in the Category A contract.

Currently, the women’s Category A includes:

• Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)
• Smriti Mandhana (Vice-Captain)
• Deepti Sharma (All-rounder)

Jemimah’s promotion will further strengthen the list of top-tier women cricketers in India.

Major Contract Reshuffle Expected

If the reports turn out to be accurate, the 2025–26 BCCI central contract list will mark a significant shift in Indian cricket’s hierarchy. The demotion of two of India’s biggest icons, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, would be one of the boldest decisions taken by the board in recent years—highlighting BCCI’s growing focus on future-ready, multi-format players.