The BCCI has sent out a strong message by leaving out Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the central contracts. The duo’s offence is not known; only presumed at best.

Else, how does one explain the words in BCCI’s Wednesday press release on contracts: “Please note that Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were not considered for the annual contracts in this round of recommendations.” Two World Cup squad members missing out on a contract when the rest of their teammates have clinched annual pay packets is no trivial matter. The retainer amounts, though undisclosed, cannot be loose change.