by Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan are poised to secure spots in the BCCI central contracts following their standout performances in the India vs England 5th Test held in Dharamsala. Their remarkable contributions have positioned them for recognition and inclusion in the prestigious contracts, signaling a significant milestone in their cricketing careers.
While much attention has been drawn to the notable omissions of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the annual retainership list released by the BCCI on Wednesday, there are a few other noteworthy absences deserving mention. Among them, two emerging talents stand out prominently: Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel. Both players marked their debut for India in the same Test match against England in Rajkot. Sarfaraz showcased his prowess by notching half-centuries in both innings of the Test, while Jurel left a lasting impression with a resilient innings of 46 runs.
Born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Jurel showcased his exceptional skills even more prominently in the fourth Test match in Ranchi. Delivering a stellar performance, he earned the accolade of Player of the Match for his contributions both with the bat and behind the stumps. Jurel’s remarkable display included a sublime innings of 90 runs in India’s first innings, followed by an unbeaten 39 in a challenging chase of 192 runs. His efforts proved pivotal in guiding India to a thrilling five-wicket victory, securing an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.”
Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan were not included in the BCCI central contracts due to the minimum criteria set by the board for eligibility. According to BCCI’s requirements, a cricketer must participate in a minimum of three Tests, eight ODIs, or ten T20Is to qualify for the annual contracts.
Despite their impressive performances, both Sarfaraz and Jurel fell short of meeting this criteria, having only played two Tests each at the time of contract assessment. On the other hand, Rajat Patidar, who secured a Grade C contract despite relatively modest performances, met the eligibility criteria as he had already featured in three Test matches.
The absence of Sarfaraz and Jurel from the central contracts roster highlights the strict adherence to these predefined criteria by the BCCI, which ensures consistency and fairness in the selection process.
maribeth digeronimo
jeylianis barboza rodriguez