BCCI Central Contract 2025: Gautam Gambhir’s Disciple Among 5 Fresh Faces to Bag ₹1 Crore Deal

New Delhi The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced its much-anticipated Central Contract List for 2025, and while the usual stars continue to dominate the top tier, it’s the newcomers in Grade C who are grabbing headlines. Among the five players receiving their first-ever central contracts, one stands out as a disciple of Team India coach Gautam Gambhir — a player who’s risen through the ranks under his mentorship.

Key Highlights from BCCI Central Contract 2025

• A+ Grade (₹7 Cr annually): Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja

• A Grade (₹5 Cr): 6 senior players

• C Grade (₹1 Cr): Largest group 19 players, including 5 new entrants

These 5 Players Earn Their First BCCI Central Contract

1. Akash Deep India’s New Test Spearhead

• Debut: Test series vs England 2024

• Performance: Leading wicket-taker in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

• Contract: Grade C . ₹1 Cr

• Role: Fast Bowler

Akash Deep’s consistency and aggression with the red ball made him a standout performer in India’s recent Test campaigns.

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📅 1 year ago

2. Abhishek Sharma T20 Dynamo

• Stats: 535 runs in 17 T20Is, including 2 centuries

• Style: Explosive top-order batter

• Contract: Grade C . ₹1 Cr

His fearless batting approach has made him a reliable T20 option and a future top-order mainstay.

3. Nitish Kumar Reddy All-Round Star

• Test Record: 298 runs in 5 Tests (1 century)

• T20I Record: 90 runs in 4 matches

• Contract: Grade C . ₹1 Cr

Reddy’s balanced contributions with both bat and ball have earned him fast recognition as an emerging all-rounder.

4. Varun Chakravarthy Gambhir’s Gambit Pays Off

• Comeback: Instrumental in Champions Trophy 2025, 9 wickets in 3 matches

• Mentor: Known to be close to Gautam Gambhir

• Contract: Grade C . ₹1 Cr

Once written off, Varun has bounced back with Gambhir’s backing, becoming a match-winner again with his mystery spin.

5. Harshit Rana Pace with Purpose

• Debut: 2024 Australia tour

• Achievements: Part of India’s Champions Trophy-winning squad

• Contract: Grade C . ₹1 Cr

Harshit’s pace and composure under pressure have turned him into a reliable death-overs bowler for India.

Why This Matters

This year’s central contracts reflect India’s transition phase, rewarding youth, performance, and potential. With Gambhir’s growing influence on team dynamics, players who match his aggression and work ethic are rising quickly — none more so than Varun Chakravarthy, now dubbed his disciple.