Despite stepping away from Test and T20 formats, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will continue to be part of the BCCI’s elite Grade A+ central contract list, Secretary BCCI Devajit Saikia confirmed in a statement to ANI. “They are still part of Indian cricket and will get all facilities of Grade A+,” Saikia said, clarifying their contractual status.
The confirmation comes days after both stalwarts announced their retirement from Test cricket, following earlier exits from T20 Internationals. The decision to retain their A+ contracts underlines their continued importance to Indian cricket, especially in ODIs.
Virat Kohli, who debuted in Tests in 2011 against the West Indies, announced his retirement recently, concluding a 14-year journey in whites. “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites… the quiet grind, the long days, the small moments no one sees,” Kohli wrote in an emotional farewell note.
Just before Kohli’s announcement, Rohit Sharma had also bid farewell to Test cricket. His decision followed reports that he had been removed as red-ball captain ahead of the England series. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Rohit shared an image of his Test cap with the words: “It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format.”
The duo’s exits mark the end of an era in Indian Test cricket, but their continued presence in the ODI setup and A+ grade ensures their legacy—and influence—remains active in the national team structure.
