How is Shreyas Iyer going to get another central contract?

Overlooked by many, Shreyas Iyer returned to the Indian team for the three-match ODI series in Colombo against Sri Lanka. At the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2, he was included in the playing XI for the first One-Day International.

Iyer last played for his country in the second Test match against England in Rajkot in February, which was before to this match. After this Test, the right-hand hitter was left from the team because of his inconsistent form. Iyer was supposed to play in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy 2024 campaign, but he is said to have irritated the BCCI by missing some games. Later, when the BCCI central contract list was revealed, he was passed over.

Taking the loss in stride, the Mumbai batsman went into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 with his best game. Iyer gave the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) the leadership they needed to win their first IPL championship in ten years. The current head coach of India, Gautam Gambhir, served as KKR’s mentor. Upon his return to India, Iyer hopes to build on his success.

What actions must Shreyas Iyer do to regain his central contract?

Players who will play a minimum of three Tests, eight ODIs, or ten T20Is between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, would automatically be included in Grade C on a pro rata basis, according to a statement made by BCCI earlier this year when it announced the list of players who are centrally contracted.

“Athletes who meet the criteria of playing a minimum of 3 Tests or 8 ODIs or 10 T20Is within the specified period will automatically be included in Grade C on a pro-rata basis,” the BCCI stated in a news statement.

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Iyer is participating in his first ODI of the cycle; in order to secure a contract for the current cycle, he must play seven more 50-over matches, three Test matches, or ten Twenty20 matches. Regretfully, following the opening match against Sri Lanka, India’s options are limited to two more ODIs and two Test matches before the next cycle starts. Iyer will thus have to hold off on earning a central contract until the following cycle.