The BCCI’s 2025-26 central contracts announcement on February 9, 2026, has set a new benchmark for rewarding performance, with Jemimah Rodrigues claiming her rightful place among India’s elite. While the roster celebrates the heroes of India’s first-ever World Cup title, it also sends a stern message regarding fitness and availability, as seen in the high-profile omissions of several established stars.

Jemimah Rodrigues joins Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana in elite Grade A tier

Rodrigues has officially ascended to Grade A, joining the upper echelon of Indian cricket alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and star all-rounder Deepti Sharma. This promotion is a direct reward for her stunning turnaround in form that anchored India’s successful ODI World Cup 2025 run.

Rodrigues was the tournament’s tactical heartbeat, most notably smashing a semi-final century that knocked out the perennial favorites, Australia. By elevating her to the INR 50 lakh bracket, the BCCI has recognized her transition into a senior leader and a big-match player alongside Harmanpreet and Smriti. Her promotion headlines a broader shift in the squad hierarchy, where consistent impact on the world stage, specifically her 300+ tournament runs, has been prioritized over historical seniority.

Shreyanka Patil and Pooja Vastrakar faces omission from BCCI central contracts 2025-26

In perhaps the most debated move of the cycle, star off-spinner Shreyanka Patil and pace-bowling all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar have been excluded from the central contract list entirely. Both held Grade C retainers last year but spent nearly 14 months combined in rehabilitation following multiple injuries.

Despite Patil’s recent heroics in the WPL, the BCCI has opted for a cautious ‘fitness-first’ approach. This policy showcased a new era of accountability, where players are expected to meet minimum match-count criteria, specifically 10 T20Is or 8 ODIs, to automatically qualify for a retainer. While Patil has already been recalled for the upcoming Australia series, her omission serves as a reminder that the Board is prioritizing sustained availability.

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7 new entrants earn maiden BCCI contracts including Pratika Rawal

The 2025-26 cycle marks a generational transition, with seven players earning their first-ever central contracts following India’s global success. The list is dominated by World Cup breakout stars and U19 graduates who have fast-tracked their way into the senior setup.

• Pratika Rawal & Kranti Gaud: Secure Grade B and C spots respectively after Rawal’s 300-run World Cup tally and Gaud’s match-winning bowling in England.
• Sree Charani: The ‘mystery spinner’ enters Grade C after finishing as India’s second-highest wicket-taker during the World Cup.
• G Kamalini & Vaishnavi Sharma: The U19 T20 World Cup-winning duo has been rewarded for their successful senior international debuts in late 2025.
• Kashvee Gautam & Tejal Hasabnis: Both have been pooled into Grade C as the BCCI looks to build a wider developmental pool.

Core retainers hold their ground in Grades B and C

Beyond the new promotions and omissions, the BCCI has maintained a core group of ‘strategic regulars’ who provide the team with its backbone. Renuka Singh Thakur, Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh all retain their Grade B status, serving as the primary power-hitters and pace spearheads for the side. In Grade C, several consistent performers like Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy and Amanjot Kaur continue their stay, ensuring depth across all formats.

Notably, Yastika Bhatia has been retained in Grade C despite her ongoing knee surgery rehab, signaling the board’s long-term trust in her wicketkeeping-batting abilities. This group represents the bridge between the veteran Grade A stars and the fresh U19 graduates, forming the 21-member pool that will lead India‘s defense of their titles in 2026.

Full BCCI women’s central contracts 2025–26

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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