It goes without saying that MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are perhaps the best leaders ever produced by Indian cricket. The two legendary figures are lauded by many for their tactical brilliance and their selfless attitude. As far as leadership is concerned, both Dhoni and Rohit have all the necessary ingredients needed to achieve supremacy in white-ball cricket. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that under their divine leadership, Indian cricket has conquered new heights and bagged six prestigious ICC titles.

See also: Cricketers who played IPL 2008 and are still going strong in 2025 — Last name will shock you!

In a recent interaction with the now-retired veteran spinner Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja was heard speaking at length about Dhoni and Rohit's captaincy traits. The left-arm all-rounder consistently praised the selfless leadership of both MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, highlighting their focus on team success over personal milestones. 

View the entire conversation: 

Ravindra Jadeja🎙️

Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni are real selfless cricketers. They never cared about personal milestones. There's a reason they won trophies as captains, while some haven’t in 18 years of their career. (Laughs)😭😭 pic.twitter.com/R8yvrC3sEk

— Veer (@WorshipRohit) May 28, 2025

Jadeja pointed out that the two captains always put their team's interests first before prioritizing their personal motives. It is due to this very selfless attitude, India has been able to achieve so much in world cricket. Whereas, leaders of similar stature have often struggled to achieve anything monumental, even in a career spanning as long as 18 years. 

Jadeja has played under the leadership of MSD for CSK and knows his personality from the inside out. Dhoni never singled out players for defeats, fostering a collective responsibility within the team. This inclusive leadership style has been a cornerstone of Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) success under Dhoni's captaincy. 

Rohit, on the other hand, often engages in individual discussions with players, clarifying their roles and granting them the freedom to play their natural game. This approach has instilled confidence and clarity among team members. It was thanks to his tactical brilliance that India managed to win two consecutive ICC titles after a drought of nearly 14 years. 

Veteran Indian leg-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has added fuel to an India captaincy controversy for their forthcoming Test series against England on June 20, 2025, in Headingley by suggesting a surprise candidate to captain the side in Ravindra Jadeja. Talking on his YouTube show 'Ash Ki Baat' on May 15, 2025, Ashwin recognized the common sentiment supporting Shubman Gill, who has been groomed to lead and recently took Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2025 points table top, but also brought to the forefront Jasprit Bumrah as a strong candidate before pushing for Jadeja, saying, "Everybody is saying that Shubman Gill is the Test captain. All are heading that way. But there is a big voice in Jasprit Bumrah, and why do we overlook Ravindra Jadeja?"

Ashwin's endorsement of Jadeja comes in a period of transition for Indian Test cricket, after the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the game earlier this month. A lot of experience comes with Jadeja, who has 312 Test wickets and 3,036 runs in 74 Tests, and he was a significant factor in India's success in the 2018-19 Test series in Australia.  Ashwin noted Jadeja's leadership ambitions, referencing his brief time as captain of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL in 2022 and his goal to captain India, stating that "the most experienced man in the side is Ravindra Jadeja."

A New Era for Indian Test Cricket

Recent news, though, points to trouble for the other candidates, as Bumrah has ruled himself out of the captaincy contest on workload grounds, given that he might not play all five Tests, and Gill does not have experience leading India in Tests or ODIs. The selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, will soon convene later this month to finalize the team and captain, as Jadeja's name now gathers momentum.

Also Read: First look of Rohit Sharma Stand at Wankhede Stadium leaked online

Ashwin's recommendation of Jadeja may be a tactical decision to use the all-rounder's know-how to lead an inexperienced group in a tough series in England, signaling the beginning of the next World Test Championship cycle. In the absence of the likes of Kohli and Sharma, the selected skipper will be under tremendous pressure, and Ashwin's proposal is the turning point for India's future in Test cricket.

The BCCI has officially released the central contracts for the 2024–25 season, effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. These contracts are categorized into four distinct grades—A+, A, B, and C—based on a player’s consistency, performance, and overall value to the team across formats. This classification system helps identify top-tier talent and recognizes the importance of players in shaping India’s cricketing future.

Among the most significant highlights of the announcement are the shifts in player placements across the contract grades. Promotions, omissions, and surprising inclusions have sparked widespread discussions among fans and analysts. The list not only reflects current form but also hints at the selectors’ long-term vision. These changes are expected to influence team dynamics and individual player motivation moving forward into a crucial year of Indian cricket.

1. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan Return to Central Contracts

Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are back on the BCCI’s central contracts after missing out last year because of a lack of commitment to domestic cricket, instead having chosen to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Iyer, who is the leading run-scorer in India's Champions Trophy-winning run, has been handed a Grade B contract with ₹ 3 crore in annual retainers. With the likes of Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik firmly setting themselves up as India's wicket-keepers, Kishan has been handed a Grade C contract worth ₹ 1 crore, quite rightly, in this author's opinion. Both players will now be pleased to have been rewarded in the BCCI's contracts, and again, as demonstrated by Iyer's example, will surely be further incentivized to better balance the potential commitments of the IPL vs. IPL.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Can CSK still make Playoffs after crushing nine wickets loss to MI?

2. Rishabh Pant Promoted to Grade A

Due to Rishabh Pant’s continued success in all three formats of the game, he upgraded from a Grade B Contract to a Grade A Contract worth ₹ 5 crore in annual retainers. He now sits in category A with the likes of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. Pant’s aggressive batting and sharp glovework, especially after his remarkable recovery from a life-threatening car accident in 2022, have solidified his position as a key asset for India.

3. Elite Players Remain in Grade A+ 

The upper echelon remains the same, Grade A+, as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja are all still in Grade A+ at ₹7 crore a year. Bumrah is the only player in this group that plays all three formats, as Sharma, Kohli, and Jadeja are on a retirement spree following India's T20 World Cup victory in 2024. But the fact that they are retained highlights their undeniable role in Indian cricket. 

4. Introduction of New Faces in Grade C

The BCCI has included a few young talents in the central contracts, which included Dhruv Jurel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Abhishek Sharma. All of these players have impressed in their domestic circuits and the IPL, so each of them has a central contract at Grade C (₹1 crore). I view this as an important step forward for the BCCI, for all of these players have obtained their first contracts with the national board, and it shows India is investing in its players as it seeks to fill the talent pool with a healthy crop of players for the future. 

Also Read: Mumbai Indians playoff chances after CSK win: All you need to know

5. Discontinuation of Fast-Bowling Contracts and Questions on A+ Relevance:

The BCCI has withdrawn its fast bowling contracts (not just Bumrah, but Akash Deep and Umran Malik, etc.), and Akash Deep is the only player in Grade C. There should be some concern over the depth of India's fast bowling stocks. Also, there is a discussion on the relevance of the A+ itself, with three of the four (Rohit, Kohli, Jadeja) no longer playing T20I's.

These talking points highlight the BCCI’s balance between rewarding established stars, reintegrating disciplined players, and investing in emerging talent while addressing structural questions about contract categories.

The BCCI is set to announce the new central contract list in the near future, with a number of changes expected. Shreyas Iyer will be set to regain after his fine performances, while R Ashwin will be axed after his international retirement.

Will Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja Be Demoted

Fans are debating if Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja will be moved from their Grade A+ deals as they have retired from T20Is. Nevertheless, the news is that all three will still maintain their place in the higher order, as they continue to be important players in Tests and ODIs, especially for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Virat and Jadeja will likely be in India's team for the upcoming Test series against England, with Rohit's availability still doubtful. He is said to have decided to go out of the tour, but there is no official word as yet.

ALSO SEE: Shane Watson warns RCB ahead of Chepauk clash against CSK: IPL 2025

Axar Patel's Promotion Certain

Axar Patel is likely to be elevated to a Grade A contract since he has continued to play consistently across all three formats. His timely contributions, like a match-winning 47-run support in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, have further cemented his case.

Ishan Kishan's Contract Status in Doubt

While Iyer is set to return to the contract list, Ishan Kishan’s status remains unclear. Both players were previously dropped for skipping domestic cricket. It remains to be seen if the board reinstates Kishan this time.

Final Decision Soon

Selectors, the central contracts to discuss the squad for the England tour.The last word on Rohit Sharma's position and leadership adjustments is also imminent. While Jasprit Bumrah's fitness remains an issue, the team administration is yet to pinpoint a obvious candidate for the captaincy job.

Wait for the official announcement from BCCI including chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, are going to meet on March 29 in Guwahati.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed a few of the greatest cricketers display their skills since its introduction in 2008. Year after year, numerous players have ruled with their batting, bowling, and all-round skills. Considering consistency, impact, and match-winning contribution, here is the all-time best XI in IPL.

1. Rohit Sharma (Opener)
Rohit Sharma is among the most successful captains in the history of IPL, guiding Mumbai Indians to several championships. With his classy stroke play and capacity to hold innings together, he is an absolute inclusion in the all-time XI.

2. Chris Gayle (Opener)
The "Universe Boss," Chris Gayle is the most destructive T20 batsman. His record-breaking 175* in IPL cannot be broken. With six-hitting skills and many centuries, he is the ideal aggressive opener.

3. Virat Kohli (Top Order)
The all-time leading run-scorer in IPL, Virat Kohli has been the mainstay of Royal Challengers Bangalore. His consistency, leadership, and chasing skills make him a sure pick.

4. Suresh Raina (Middle Order)
Nicknamed "Mr. IPL," Suresh Raina has been a regular run-getter in the league. His finishes and brilliant fielding make him an asset to the team.

5. AB de Villiers (Middle Order)
AB de Villiers is one of the most creative batsmen. He can hit shots all across the field. The fact that he can finish under pressure makes him a vital component of this XI.

6. MS Dhoni (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
MS Dhoni is the best captain in IPL history. His calm captaincy, finishing skill, and quicker-than-light wicketkeeping make him the best captain and wicketkeeper.

7. Kieron Pollard (All-Rounder)
Pollard is among the best finishers in T20 cricket. His big-hitting capability, handy bowling, and good fielding make him an asset for the team.
8. Ravindra Jadeja (All-Rounder)
Jadeja is an all-round package in T20s. His left-arm spin, lower-order batting, and brilliant fielding provide the team with ideal balance.

9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Fast Bowler)
Bhuvneshwar is, perhaps, the greatest swing bowler in IPL history. He is famous for bowling in powerplays and hindering runs through death overs.
ALSO READ:IPL 2025: SunRisers Hyderabad Strong Playing XI

10. Jasprit Bumrah (Fast Bowler)
Bumrah is the best death-over bowler in IPL. His yorkers and variations of pace, as well as his knack for picking up key wickets, render him a fine bowler.

11. Lasith Malinga (Fast Bowler)
Malinga is the most successful overseas wicket-taker in IPL. His toe-smashing yorkers and match-winning bowling spells establish him as the tournament's legend.

Over the years, cricket supporters have noticed an interesting pattern. Whenever Virat Kohli has an emotional embrace with an elder player, retirement news is close behind. This has created a fun but thought-provoking debate—is the Kohli Hug a secret farewell sign?

1. MS Dhoni (2020) – The First Clue

The Kohli Hug was first popularized in 2019, during the Cricket World Cup. Kohli was observed having an emotional moment with MS Dhoni, even compelling fans to support him.

Even a year after that, on August 15, 2020, Dhoni had officially retired from international cricket. That was the first time that fans associated a Kohli hug with the retirement of a senior player.

Also See : Rohit Sharma: The Captain Who Redefined Indian Cricket’s Success in ICC Tournaments

2. AB de Villiers (2021) – A Farewell at RCB

Kohli and AB de Villiers had a strong connection at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). During IPL 2021, their friendship was clear, with Kohli openly showing admiration for ABD.

Before the season had even finished, de Villiers retired from all cricket. Once again, the Kohli Hug appeared to come before a big retirement.

3. Rohit Sharma (June 2024) – The End of an Era

T20 World Cup 2024 final was a moment of history for Indian cricket. Kohli and Rohit Sharma hugged tightly, both visibly emotional, after India's win.

Soon after, Kohli and Rohit retired from T20 internationals, an end of era in itself. Fans couldn't fail to see the Kohli Hug leaving its indelible mark once more.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin (December 2024) – A Sudden Goodbye

At the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024, Kohli was spotted hugging Ravichandran Ashwin following a pivotal game.

Weeks after, Ashwin hinted at his international retirement. With another experienced player leaving shortly after being hugged by Kohli, people could not help but wonder if this was a mere coincidence.

5. Steve Smith (March 2025) – A Rivalry Bites the Dust with Respect

India and Australia's Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final match featured a hard-fought battle. Following Australia's defeat, Kohli hugged Steve Smith with respect..

Soon after, Smith himself revealed his retirement from ODI cricket. Whether it was a genuine friendly hug or more, the trend followed, and fans couldn't help but speculate.

6. Ravindra Jadeja (March 2025) – The Next in Line?

During the final of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand, Kohli was photographed exchanging a warm hug with Ravindra Jadeja after bowling. The action became an instant sensation, raising eyebrows—is Jadeja next?

Although Jadeja has yet to confirm any retirement plans, fans are eagerly observing whether history will repeat itself.

While the Kohli Hug may just be an emotional moment between teammates, it has certainly given rise to a fascinating fan theory. As more legends retire after receiving Kohli’s heartfelt embrace, the big question remains—who’s next?

Also See : Rohit Sharma: The Captain Who Redefined Indian Cricket’s Success in ICC Tournaments

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Because of security fears, all India matches have been shifted to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. India will be in Group A along with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.

• Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
• Group B: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England

India's Group Stage Matches:

If India progresses to the semi-finals, their match is set for March 4, 2025, at the same venue. Should they reach the final, it will also be held in Dubai on March 9, 2025.

ALSO READ:Champions Trophy 2025: Where and How to Watch Every Match Live

India Predicted Outfit for 2nd ODI Against England
India vs England 2nd One Day International (ODI) on 9th February at Barabati Stadium Cuttack The Indian cricket team will face England in an upcoming One Day International (ODI) match on 9th of February at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack Following their first ODI victory, India will look to maintain momentum.

Match Deatails:

Match: India vs England, 2nd ODI
Date: February 9, 2025
Venue: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
Time: 1:30 PM IST
Broadcast: Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar

Here is the probable XI for the match:

1. Rohit Sharma (Captain)
Rohit Sharm has been accused of opening for a while now. As captain he will have an important role to play in the team and laying the groundwork at the top.
2. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill hit a handful of boundaries Shubman Gill has been on good form. His camp combines both aggressive and methodical to make it right opener in the middle order.and good start at first match
3. Virat Kohli 
Virat Kohli: Most experienced batsman in India. Number 3 is very critical for the balance, especially stability for middle order.recovered from injury
4. Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer is also one of the regular ODIs player. He will be the man in the middle overs, willing to rotate strike and play those attacking strokes. and good play in the first match

5. KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
KL Rahul is likely to retain wicketkeeper as he proved he can be best wicketkeeper-batter. A proven player of all forms, and a supreme finisher in lower middle order.

6. Hardik PandyaHardik Pandya is an all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball. His presence provides balance to the team.

7. Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja has earned a well-earned reputation as a reliable allrounder. A match-winner with their bat, bont and field.

8. Axar Patel
Axar Patel is pacer and a decent allrounder. His wicket s-taking and few run scoring links strengthen the lower end of the team.
9. Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav is a crucial part of Indian spin attack. Some of his variations annoy English batters on Indian tracks.
10. Mohammed Shami
Shami is one of the most economical fast bowler India have ever seen. He has the ability to swing the ball and get wickets early, which makes him a main player as an attack.
11. Harshit Rana
Fast-Bowling (Miraculous fast bowler Harshit Rana) His line and length adds variety as a bowler duo.

ALSO READ:ndian Cricketers Seek Blessings at Puri Jagannath Temple Before Crucial ODI

probable XI for the match:

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana.

The much-awaited India vs. England ODI series is going to be a witness to some historic moments, as several Indian cricketing icons are on the verge of breaking long-standing records. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja will be under the spotlight as they get a chance to write their names in history by breaking legendary records set by Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, James Anderson, and Yuvraj Singh.

1. Virat Kohli Closer to Sachin Tendulkar's All-Time Record
Star batsman Virat Kohli is all set for his most awaited comeback in international cricket, having played for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. Though he managed little runs during the domestic stint, he still stands as the biggest worry for the batting of England in the international game. Virat Kohli is closing in on the record of Sachin Tendulkar, which he would add to his glittering credentials.Kohli needs 94 runs to complete 14,000 runs in ODIs

2. Rohit Sharma on the Brink of Overtaking Sachin Tendulkar's ODI Milestone
Indian captain Rohit Sharma is close to achieving an elite milestone in ODI cricket. Currently, he has 10,866 runs under his belt, and he needs only 134 runs to cross the 11,000-run mark. This feat will put him in an elite group of Indian cricketers and further strengthen his legacy as one of the finest ODI openers of all time.

3. Virat Kohli Aiming to Break MS Dhoni’s Record Against England
Former Indian captain MS Dhoni holds the record for the most runs scored by an Indian in ODIs against England, amassing 1,546 runs in 48 matches. Virat Kohli, known for his exceptional consistency and match-winning performances, is now in prime position to surpass Dhoni’s tally and establish himself as India’s highest run-scorer in ODIs against England.Virat Kohli has scored 1,340 runs in 36 matches so far

ALSO READ:Probable Finalists of the Champions Trophy 2025

4. Ravindra Jadeja chance to surpass James Anderson's bowling record
The current record holder for most wickets in India vs. England ODI is the English fast bowler James Anderson. Anderson took 40 wickets in 31 innings with an economy rate of 5.17. He is a very great bowler and his record is unbreakable so far. However, Ravindra Jadeja of India, being an all-rounder, may have the chance to break this milestone if he can do well in the coming series.

5. Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma to Outstrip Yuvraj Singh's Record
India's best-ever ODI all-rounder, Yuvraj Singh has the record for most centuries made by an Indian against England in ODIs when he has bagged four hundreds. Virat Kohli currently has three centuries, while Rohit Sharma has two. Considering that there are several games to be played, both of these players have ample chances to match or outdo Yuvraj's record.

6.Mohammed Shami’s Pursuit of 450 International Wickets

After a long injury layoff, Mohammed Shami is due to make one of the much-awaited returns to international cricket. The seasoned pacer is two wickets away from joining the elite group of Indian fast bowlers who have left a mark on world cricket as he prepares to achieve an incredible 450 international wickets.

The cricketing world has been no stranger to controversy, but the ongoing series against Australia has taken a sharp turn into the realm of media relations. The saga began with Virat Kohli's heated exchange with Australian journalists at Melbourne Airport, where Kohli expressed his discomfort with the media's approach towards his family's privacy. This incident set the stage for heightened scrutiny of the interactions between Indian cricket stars and the Australian press.

Ravindra Jadeja's Press Conference Conundrum

Adding fuel to the fire, the latest chapter unfolded during Ravindra Jadeja’s press conference. Scheduled to address the media about the upcoming match, the event was marred by logistical issues. Due to time constraints, Australian journalists could not pose their questions. This situation, however, was not handled with the decorum one might expect:

- Time Management: The Indian team, under pressure from tight schedules, had to cut the press conference short, leaving some Australian journalists unable to voice their queries.

- Response from Australian Media: Frustration led to what has been described as inappropriate behavior, with some journalists reportedly continuing to record the conversation even after being asked to stop by the Indian media team.

Impact on Cricket Diplomacy

This incident has broader implications for cricket diplomacy:

- Media Relations: The relationship between international cricket teams and host country media can influence how both players and the game are perceived globally.

- Cultural Sensitivities: There's a clear divide in cultural expectations regarding media interactions, privacy, and professional conduct.

- Player Welfare: With players like Kohli and Jadeja at the center of these controversies, there's an increasing focus on how media interactions can affect player morale and performance.

Steps Forward

For cricket to maintain its spirit of sportsmanship:

- Better Communication: Both teams and media must establish clearer guidelines on press conference logistics and etiquette.

- Respect for Privacy: Understanding and respecting the personal boundaries of players could mitigate such conflicts.

- Educational Efforts: Perhaps there's a role for cricket boards and media associations in educating their members on cultural nuances and professional journalism standards.

Conclusion

The recent events involving Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja with the Australian media underscore a need for a more harmonious interaction between cricket and journalism. As the series continues, all eyes will be not just on the scores but on how these high-profile sports personalities and media outlets navigate their relationship. This isn't just about winning matches; it's about preserving the integrity and the spirit of the game.

FAQs

- Why was there tension between Virat Kohli and the Australian media?

  - The tension arose primarily from Kohli's concerns about his family's privacy being invaded by the media at Melbourne Airport.

- How did the situation at Jadeja's press conference escalate?

  - The situation escalated due to time constraints leading to a lack of opportunity for Australian journalists to ask questions, resulting in perceived unprofessional conduct from some media personnel.

- What can be done to prevent such incidents in the future?

  - Improved communication, respect for personal boundaries, and education on cultural and professional expectations are key steps forward.