Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer, who was unexpectedly omitted from the BCCI's central contracts last year due to non-compliance with the board's domestic cricket regulations, is poised to return to the revised annual contracts this year. Despite being one of India's standout players during the home ODI World Cup in 2023, both Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who is part of India's squad across all formats, were excluded from the contracts last year after they failed to represent their domestic teams, Mumbai and Jharkhand, respectively.

The BCCI clarified in an official statement, "Please note that Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were not considered for the annual contracts in this round of recommendations."

Iyer has since regained his position in the ODI squad and emerged as India's leading run-scorer during their triumphant ICC Champions Trophy campaign, amassing 243 runs across five matches in Dubai last month. In contrast, Kishan has yet to participate in any matches for India in 2024.

In his most recent Ranji Trophy season, Shreyas Iyer accumulated 480 runs from five matches for Mumbai, achieving an impressive average of 68.57 and a strike rate of 90.22.

Additionally, he was the fourth-highest run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with 345 runs from nine matches. His exceptional form continued in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 325 runs in five games, boasting an extraordinary average of 325.00.

As reported by news agency ANI, Iyer is expected to be reinstated in the central contracts. BCCI sources confirmed, "Shreyas Iyer is all set to be back in central contract."

The source indicated that prominent players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to be retained in the A+ category, despite their announcements regarding retirement from T20 internationals. Typically, the A+ category is designated for players who participate in all formats for India. Last year, this contract was granted solely to Kohli, Rohit, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah.

"Rohit and Virat will maintain their A-grade central contract (7 crore) even after stepping away from the T20I format. They are significant figures in the sport and will receive the respect they merit.

Rohit, a contemporary icon in white-ball cricket, has seen a decline in his form across all formats. Following a memorable conclusion to his T20I career, the experienced opener's bat has fallen silent.

During India's historic 3-0 home series victory over New Zealand, the once-dynamic opener, who has lost his flair, managed only 91 runs in three Test matches, averaging 15.17.

Prior to the series against the Kiwis, during India's encounter with Bangladesh, the explosive opener scored a mere 42 runs in two Test matches, with an average of just 10.50.

Following a disappointing performance at home, Rohit's display in the Test series in Australia drew criticism, as he accumulated only 31 runs in five innings, resulting in a dismal average of 6.20.

On the other hand, Virat, who could only muster 190 runs in 10 innings during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was also scrutinized after the 1-3 series defeat to Australia.

Virat concluded the previous year with a total of 655 international runs across 23 matches and 32 innings, averaging 21.83, which included one century and two fifties. His highest score was an unbeaten 100.

Read Also: Indian Hockey Star Vandana Katariya Calls Time on Her Career

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!