Former India spinner Nikhil Chopra said that though Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have served the Indian team well for over a decade, after a long period of mediocre performances, are now the backup players with the rise in the young generation.
At a time when players like Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer are waiting in the wings, the struggling but experienced pair of Pujara and Rahane didn't manage to elevate their numbers in the rainbow nation in the recent Test series, as they both managed just one half-century each in three Tests.
The seasoned duo is reportedly staring at a demotion when the BCCI releases a fresh list of contracted players for the upcoming season. Chopra also added veteran pacer Ishant Sharma to the mix as well.
The BCCI has four categories (A+, A, B, and C) that carry annual retainership of ₹7 crores, ₹5 crores, ₹3 crores, and ₹1 crore respectively.
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"Pujara, Rahane, and Ishant Sharma have not performed well. The demotion of these players is an indication that they will be replaced by other players in the future. They are backup players now, they have served Indian cricket well, but they will only be called up when required. It is clear to see in which direction the selection committee is thinking," said Chopra on the Khelneeti podcast on YouTube.
Apart from the three, Nikhil Chopra also said that all-rounder Hardik Pandya might also be demoted in central contracts’ list, as despite having potential, due to fitness and form issues, the Baroda cricketer has not performed as expected.
"Potential is definitely a factor when it comes to promotion, but you also have to see how the player has done in the chances he has availed. I won't be surprised if Hardik Pandya gets demoted from A to B, because he has not performed well. He can be promoted in the next cycle, but in the meantime, an example has to be set for the other players, that you can get demoted if you don't perform,” Chopra said.
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On the other hand, Nikhil Chopra suggested a few names who could gain promotions in the upcoming central contracts list. One name he emphasized was Rishabh Pant, given his prowess and importance in all three formats.
He also predicted Indian spinners will get a boost with the 2023 World Cup getting closer.
"Rishabh Pant can maybe go from an A contract to an A+ one. Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, and Deepak Chahar are some of the names that should be promoted to a B contract. Even Chahal and Sundar, considering the 2023 World Cup," he further said.
