The BCCI’s 2025–26 central-contract reshuffle has stirred fresh debate — and few names have attracted as much heat as Axar Patel’s. With only three players placed in Grade A (Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja), Axar’s drop from Grade B to Grade C prompted sharp criticism from former India opener Aakash Chopra, who publicly questioned the board’s criteria and fairness.
Chopra didn’t hold back on X, asking pointedly what more the left-arm all-rounder must do to “get what he deserves.” He followed up on his YouTube channel, highlighting what he sees as inconsistencies: two-format players such as Gill and Jadeja made Grade A, while obvious multi-format contributors — Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav — were omitted. Chopra also flagged Arshdeep Singh’s Grade C slot as questionable and noted Mohammed Siraj’s Grade B placement despite his three-format availability.
“Axar Patel ko aur kya karna hoga to get what he deserves? Three-format player. Vice-captain in one format. Grade-C?? Also, if Jadeja and Gill are in Grade-A, why aren’t Hardik, Rahul and Kuldeep?? Even Arshdeep shouldn’t be in Grade-C,” Chopra wrote, reflecting a wider unease among fans and pundits.
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There are two ways to read the row: as a PR storm driven by emotion, or as a useful prompt for the BCCI to clarify selection metrics. For many observers, Axar’s recent body of work makes a strong case. In the 50-over format last year he compiled 290 runs and took 11 wickets from 11 games — all-round returns that add depth to India’s middle order and bowling options.
Axar Patel ko aur kya karna hoga to get what he deserves?
Three format player. Vice-captain in one format.
Grade-C??
Also, if Jadeja and Gill are in Grade-A, why aren’t Hardik, Rahul and Kuldeep?? Even Arshdeep shouldn’t be in Grade-C.— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 9, 2026
In T20s, his 2025 numbers were impressive: 17 wickets in 19 matches at an average just above 19 and an economy of 6.93. This year alone, he already has six wickets from three T20Is and returned tidy figures of 2 for 24 in four overs against the USA in India’s T20 World Cup opener.
Beyond raw numbers, Axar brings tactical value — left-arm spin that creates match-up problems, the ability to bowl powerplay and middle overs, and useful lower-order hitting. That blend matters in modern multi-format selection logic, which is ostensibly what central contracts are meant to reward.
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The BCCI must now navigate the optics carefully. Clearer communication on the grading methodology — how availability, format mix, recent performance and role in team balance are weighted — would calm critics and help players understand where they stand. Until then, expect the Axar debate to linger: it’s not just about one player’s grade, but how Indian cricket values versatility and recent form in an era that increasingly prizes multi-dimensional cricketers.
