In the world of Indian cricket, the release of the BCCI’s Annual Player Retainership list is often as scrutinized as a World Cup squad selection. However, the 2025-26 list has triggered a specific kind of outrage, led by former opener and veteran analyst Aakash Chopra.

Chopra didn't mince words when he saw star all-rounder Axar Patel placed in Grade C (the ₹1 crore bracket), despite being a multi-format asset and the current vice-captain of the T20I side. Reddy Anna Club His viral question—“Axar Patel ko aur kya karna hoga to get what he deserves?”—has resonated with fans who feel "Bapu" is being perpetually undervalued.

The "Grade C" Shock: Why the Outcry?

To understand why this is a "slam" from Chopra, we have to look at the hierarchy. Grade A+ and Grade A are reserved for the "elites" and "all-format regulars." Grade B is the middle ground. Axar, who has been a mainstay in white-ball cricket and a proven match-winner in Tests (especially at home), found himself relegated to the bottom tier.

1. The Vice-Captaincy Paradox

Axar Patel was recently named the vice-captain of India’s T20I squad. It is historically rare, if not unprecedented, for a designated leader of a national team to be placed in the lowest contract bracket. If the team management views him as a leader, the contract should logically reflect that "elite" status.

2. The T20 World Cup Heroics

Lest we forget, Axar was one of the silent architects of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. Whether it was his crucial promotion to No. 4 in the final against South Africa (scoring a vital 47) or his game-changing spell against England in the semi-final, he delivered when the stakes were highest.

3. A Three-Format Utility

While some argue that Axar isn't a "guaranteed" starter in the Test XI when Ravindra Jadeja is fit, his stats tell a different story. In the 2024-25 cycle, Axar has been consistently available and impactful. He averages over 35 with the bat in ODIs and remains one of the most economical spinners in the shortest format.

Aakash Chopra’s Logic

Chopra’s critique wasn't just about Axar. He pointed out the inconsistency in the grading logic:

• The Comparison: If Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja are in the top tier (Grade A), why are players like Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav sitting in Grade B?

• The Arshdeep Factor: Chopra also highlighted Arshdeep Singh’s placement in Grade C, despite him being India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is.

The underlying sentiment is that the BCCI's grading system seems to prioritize "prestige" or "Test seniority" over current impact and leadership roles.

What Does Axar Actually Need to Do?

If a T20 World Cup trophy, a Champions Trophy win (2025), and a vice-captaincy armband aren't enough to secure a Grade B or A contract, what is?

The BCCI's criteria often revolve around the number of matches played across formats. Because Axar often rotates with Jadeja or sits out in overseas Tests for a third seamer, his "volume" of games might be lower than a Gill or a Pant. However, as Chopra argues, value and volume are two different things.

Final Thoughts

Axar Patel has spent much of his career in the shadow of Ravindra Jadeja, yet he has carved out an identity as a world-class finisher and a relentless defensive bowler. By placing him in Grade C, the BCCI might be following a mathematical formula, but they are failing the "eye test" of the cricketing community.

As Aakash Chopra rightly asked: What more can he do? For now, Axar will likely do what he does best—keep his head down, slide those deliveries into the pads, and let his performance make the next contract list impossible to ignore.

What do you think? Does Axar Patel deserve a Grade A contract, or is Grade C fair given his rotation in the Test side? Let us know in the comments!