Featuring in BCCI’s list of contracted players is a sign that you are in Team India’s plans for at least one season. Although playing for the country may not be a guarantee, it is anyways good to earn a contract from the most powerful cricket body on the planet.
Every season, BCCI publishes its list of contracted players. All these players would be assigned a fixed salary on top of the fee that is given for every match he or she participates in. In 2020, there were a few players who were new inclusions, and there were some notable omissions too.
With the time nearing for the announcement, there could be a few cricketers who could be expecting a contract. We list five such cricketers in this article.
1. Shubman Gill
India’s top order is bracing for a transition period. With Shikhar Dhawan entering the final stages of his career, and both Virat and Rohit in their thirties, Team India is on the lookout for some bright youngsters at the top. Shubman Gill is at the top of the list, and hence, BCCI could include him in their plans hereon. The Punjab batsman is also in decent form and is deserving of a contract. Gill must make sure that he grabs all his opportunities and makes his presence in the squad count.
2. T Natarajan
No player in recent times had an impact like T Natarajan, in his debut series. Nattu was brilliant with the ball and was the clear leader of the attack when Bumrah was not playing. The Tamil Nadu player oozes class and seems to possess a lot of variations and tricks to survive in the game. He is a definite one for the future and is certainly a potential candidate to play in the upcoming World Cup. Therefore, we feel that BCCI would rightly hand the man from Salem his first contract with the Indian Cricket Team.
3. Sanju Samson
Rishabh Pant’s exclusion from the limited-overs series and Sanju Samson’s selection means that the Kerala cricketer is firmly on the radar of the management. Although he was unsatisfactory against Australia, Sanju is sure to receive some more opportunities. If he can get a consistent run, the wicket-keeper batsman could well strike gold in the blue jersey. BCCI can further improve his confidence by awarding him a contract. This way, the Rajasthan Royals player can focus more on his performances, and repay the faith that the board keeps in him.
4. Prithvi Shaw
A ban and bad form has been Prithvi Shaw’s story in recent times. He was mediocre in IPL 2020 and was branded lucky to be on the plane to Australia. Nevertheless, the Mumbai teenager is still rated highly, and he for sure possesses the talent to make it big. He has had a fine start to his career with the Indian Team and will be part of the plans for the near future. If things work out for him, he might even expect a contract from BCCI for the upcoming season.
5. Mohammed Siraj
Team India has finally understood that Mohammed Siraj’s strengths lie with the red ball. With injuries to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ishant Sharma becoming a recurring event, Team India needs to find an able partner to Bumrah and Shami. While Umesh is on the list, there is a place for at least one more name. Navdeep Saini already has a contract, and we feel Siraj could get one for the upcoming season. He is a rising cricketer, and with a good work ethic and attitude now coming on display, he could be given a contract.
