The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that star Indian batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will continue to be included in the prestigious Grade A+ annual player retainership category, despite their recent retirements from T20 Internationals (T20Is) and Test cricket.
Announcement by the BCCI
The announcement was made on Wednesday by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who clarified the board’s stance on the contracts of the two veteran cricketers. Earlier in April, when the BCCI unveiled its annual player retainership for the 2024-25 season, Kohli and Rohit were placed in the highest Grade A+ bracket alongside premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s grade A+ contract will continue despite their retirement from the T20Is and Tests,” Saikia told ANI. “They are still an integral part of the Indian cricket team, and they will continue to receive all the facilities and benefits associated with the Grade A+ category.”
Virat Kohli, 36, recently stunned the cricketing fraternity by announcing his retirement from Test cricket ahead of India’s five-match tour of England, which marks the beginning of their ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign. Kohli’s illustrious 14-year Test career spanned 123 matches, in which he amassed 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85. His Test record includes 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, with a highest score of 254*. He stands as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format, only behind legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Rohit Sharma, 38, followed suit on May 7, announcing his retirement from Test cricket after an 11-year journey encompassing 67 Test matches. His decision also came before the England tour, which commences India’s WTC 2025-27 cycle from June 20 onwards. Rohit accumulated 4,301 runs in Tests at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. His career-best score of 212 was achieved during a memorable home series against South Africa in 2019. He concludes his Test career as India’s 16th-highest run-getter in the format.
Retirement announcement by Kohli and Rohit
Both Kohli and Rohit had previously announced their retirement from the shortest international format, T20Is, following the completion of the T20 World Cup in 2024. Kohli holds the record for the most runs in the T20 World Cup, scoring 1,292 runs in 35 matches at an average of 58.72. In his overall T20I career, he scored 4,188 runs in 125 matches and remains the second-highest run-scorer in the format. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, is the leading run-scorer in T20Is, having amassed 4,231 runs in 151 matches.
The BCCI’s decision to retain both Kohli and Rohit in the Grade A+ category underscores their continued significance to the Indian cricket setup, particularly in the One Day International (ODI) format, where they remain key players. Their experience and stature within the team likely contribute to this decision, ensuring they receive the highest level of support and facilities from the board.
(With ANI Inputs)
