Why Did BCCI Promote Rishabh Pant To Grade A In Central Contracts Despite Poor IPL 2025?

Rishabh Pant was promoted in BCCI Central Contracts [Source: @LucknowIPL/x.com]

The BCCI's new central contracts list dropped recently and the biggest talking point apart from the obvious inclusions and exits was the promotion of Rishabh Pant from Grade B to Grade A. And while fans were mostly happy, some critics couldn’t help but question: “But what has Pant done lately, especially in IPL?”

Valid point on paper. But scratch the surface and it becomes crystal clear that Rishabh Pant’s promotion wasn’t about numbers in a few IPL matches. It was about his value to Indian cricket across all formats. Let’s analyse:

Pant’s IPL 2025 Has Been Underwhelming But…

Let’s not sugarcoat it, Pant’s IPL form has been ordinary at best this season. Here’s how his numbers look:

• 106 runs in 7 innings
• Average: 15.14 | Strike rate: 98.14
• Only one score above 20 (63 vs CSK in a losing cause)

So yeah, based on these stats alone, he wouldn’t make it even to Grade C. But if BCCI central contracts were handed out based solely on IPL performances, half of India’s Test squad wouldn’t be on that list. The IPL is a massive league but the BCCI evaluates much more than T20 form while determining contract grades.

Here’s The Bigger Picture: Pant Is India’s All-Format Star

Let’s talk international cricket. Since returning from his horrific car accident in December 2022, Pant has made a full-fledged comeback. And he didn’t just walk back into one format he came back into all three and has played 10 Tests, 1 ODI and 10 T20Is since his return in early 2024.

He was India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in the T20 World Cup 2024 where India went on to lift the title after 17 long years. He was also part of the Champions Trophy 2025-winning squad, serving as the backup to KL Rahul. And in red-ball cricket, he remains India’s No. 1 keeper-batter, a position no one’s even come close to challenging.

The message from the team management is clear: Pant is central to India's plans across all formats. And that, right there, is Grade A material.

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His Career Stats Back It Up

Let’s look at Rishabh Pant’s Stats across formats

Now, let’s focus on that Test average of 42.11, with 6 centuries, most of them in tough overseas conditions: Sydney, Brisbane, Cape Town, and Headingley. There is a reason why Pant is not just India’s best red-ball keeper-batter in recent memory but one of the best in world cricket today.

And while his T20I stats might not jump off the page, his fearless approach and ability to switch games in a matter of overs makes him a unique asset, especially when paired with his glove work.

Ashwin Retired: A Spot Opened Up in Grade A

There is also the structural angle. With Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from international cricket in 2024, one Grade A spot was vacated. The BCCI needed a player who:

• Plays across formats or is at least in contention for all formats
• Has a proven track record in international cricket
• Is expected to remain a core part of Team India for the next cycle

Pant ticks every one of those boxes. Not only is he a regular in Tests and T20Is, but he is also trusted in ICC tournaments and his comeback from a life-threatening injury showed his character and professionalism.

BCCI’s Contract Model Isn’t Based on T20 Leagues

IPL form isn’t the only criterion and often, not even the main one. Central contracts are awarded based on:

• Match participation across formats
• Consistency and fitness
• Role in ICC events and international tours
• Team value across the calendar year

Pant may not be bossing the IPL this year but his importance to the Indian team is bigger than one tournament. He is their best red-ball wicketkeeper, a proven match-winner in crunch games and still very much in his prime at just 27.

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