Former India coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday backed the duo of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan to return again stronger after they have been excluded from the BCCI central contracts for ignoring the board’s directive of enjoying within the Ranji Trophy. The BCCI Wednesday unveiled its centrally-contracted gamers for this 12 months. While skipper Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli, tempo spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and premier all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja retained their locations within the high bracket, Iyer and Kishan weren’t thought-about in any class.

“In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you’ll conquer once again,” Shastri tweeted.

In the sport of cricket, comebacks outline the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and are available again even stronger. Your previous achievements communicate volumes, and I’ve little doubt you will conquer as soon as once more.

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 28, 2024

The 25-year-old Kishan didn’t flip up for Jharkhand all through the group’s marketing campaign in Ranji Trophy regardless of not being on nationwide responsibility since leaving from the tour of South Africa in December final, citing private causes.

He has as a substitute focussed on making ready for the IPL subsequent month.

Iyer didn’t make himself obtainable for Mumbai’s Ranji quarterfinal towards Baroda after being excluded from the Indian group following the second Test towards England.

He, nonetheless, has been picked for the Ranji semifinals beginning March 2.

Lauding the board, Shastri mentioned, “Big applause to @BCCI and @JayShah for the game-changing move with ‘fast bowling’ contracts. A crucial step in gearing up for Down Under later this year. The emphasis on Test Cricket and Domestic Cricket is a powerful message, setting the right tone for the future of our beloved sport!” Meanwhile, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar too praised the BCCI for rewarding gamers who’re prepared to place within the laborious yards within the Test format.

“Well done to @BCCI for rewarding players who want to play the tough cricket and only for one reason…to face the ‘acid test’ as cricketers,” Manjrekar tweeted.

While saying the central contracts, the BCCI as soon as once more suggested all of the Indian cricketers to play home video games when not on nationwide responsibility.

The exclusion of Iyer and Kishan might be seen as a stern message to younger gamers unwilling to place within the laborious yards in first-class cricket, whereas chasing white-ball glory and profitable IPL contracts.