Ravi Shastri lauds BCCI for initiative of fast bowling contracts; tells Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer to come back stronger

BCCI announced the list of central contracts for 2023-24.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is emphasizing the development of fast bowlers. Seamers play key roles outside of the subcontinent, and South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and England are ideal destinations for pacers.

To preserve quality in the fast-bowling section, the apex body implemented contracts for seamers. The selection committee has recommended fast bowling contracts for Akash Deep, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal, and Vidwath Kaverappa.

This means India will be investing a lot in fast bowlers keeping in mind the upcoming away tours. And former India captain Ravi Shastri hailed the BCCI and Jay Shah for this masterstroke.

Sanjay Manjrekar, Irfan Pathan react as BCCI terminates Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan’s central contracts

“Big applause to @BCCI and @JayShah for the game-changing move with ‘fast bowling’ contracts. A crucial step in gearing up for Down Under later this year. The emphasis on Test Cricket and Domestic Cricket is a powerful message, setting the right tone for the future of our beloved sport,” Ravi Shastri wrote on X.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India unveiled updated central contracts for the men’s senior team for the 2023-24 season and it has come with a surprise. The list saw 7 players losing their central contracts, but the names of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer were the biggest surprise in that list.

Kishan last played for India in a T20I series against Australia in November. Following this, he withdrew from the South African tour at the start of the year for personal reasons. During this time, he opted out of the Ranji Trophy for Jharkhand and reportedly trained in Baroda with Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya.

Shreyas Iyer, meanwhile, was dropped from the last three Tests of the ongoing series between India and England. He had also complained about back spasms, which was troublesome given that he had undergone surgery for the same.

Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan excluded as BCCI announces central contracts list for 2023-24 season

He was also instituted to play Ranji Trophy cricket for Mumbai. But Iyer gave the excuse of his back injury, despite the NCA medical head, Dr. Nitin Patel sending an email to the BCCI that Iyer was fit to resume cricket.

Iyer and Kishan weren’t considered for central contracts as per the BCCI statement. Ravi Shastri shared his thoughts on the same and asked the duo to face challenges and come back stronger.  

“In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you'll conquer once again,” Shastri posted.