The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled its 2024-25 Central Contracts for the men’s team, sparking debates among fans and analysts. While Rishabh Pant’s promotion to Grade A reflects his inspiring recovery and Test exploits, his inconsistent white-ball performances raise questions about his place in this elite category. Meanwhile, other players have consistently shone across formats, making stronger cases for the coveted Grade A spot. Here are three stars who arguably deserved the Grade A contract over Pant: Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Three Players Who Should Have Secured BCCI’s Grade A Contract Over Rishabh Pant:

1. Kuldeep Yadav

Firstly, Kuldeep Yadav has emerged as India’s premier spinner across all formats, delivering match-winning performances with remarkable consistency. His artistry with the ball played a pivotal role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, where he bamboozled batters with his variations. Additionally, Kuldeep’s heroics in the 2025 Champions Trophy further cemented his status as a clutch performer, outshining many peers. Unlike Pant, who struggles to secure a fixed white-ball role, Kuldeep is a mainstay in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. His ability to turn games single-handedly, coupled with his growing reliability, makes him a prime candidate for Grade A. Therefore, Kuldeep’s exclusion from the top tier feels like an oversight, given his undeniable impact.

2. Axar Patel

Next, Axar Patel’s versatility demands recognition. Not only does he deliver economical spells with his left-arm spin, but he also contributes vital runs under pressure. For instance, during the 2024 T20 World Cup, Axar’s dual contributions with bat and ball proved instrumental in India’s success. Similarly, his performances in the 2025 Champions Trophy showcased his knack for stepping up in high-stakes moments. In contrast, Pant’s white-ball form remains erratic, and his spot in T20Is and ODIs is far from guaranteed. Axar, however, seamlessly adapts to all formats, offering balance and depth. Consequently, his consistent all-round brilliance makes a compelling case for a Grade A contract.

3. Yashasvi Jaiswal

Finally, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s meteoric rise cannot be ignored. At just 23, he has already set the cricketing world alight with his explosive batting. In Tests, Jaiswal’s record-breaking 36 sixes in 2024 and inclusion in the ICC Test Team of the Year highlight his dominance. Meanwhile, his T20I exploits, marked by fearless strokeplay, have made him a vital cog in India’s setup. Looking ahead, Jaiswal is poised to become an ODI regular, given his adaptability and hunger for runs. On the other hand, Pant’s white-ball struggles contrast sharply with Jaiswal’s upward trajectory. Thus, Jaiswal’s current form and future potential strongly justify a Grade A spot.

While Rishabh Pant’s comeback story is inspiring, his white-ball inconsistencies pale in comparison to the all-format excellence of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Kuldeep’s spin mastery, Axar’s all-round prowess, and Jaiswal’s batting brilliance have consistently elevated India’s fortunes. As a result, these three players present far stronger credentials for the Grade A contract, leaving fans wondering why the BCCI overlooked their stellar contributions.