Ajit Agarkar’s future as the chairman of India’s senior men’s selection committee has come under fresh scrutiny after the controversy surrounding Rohit Sharma’s ODI future, according to a report by Dainik Jagran. The BCCI is expected to review its options ahead of the Annual General Meeting in September, with former India batter VVS Laxman emerging as a possible candidate if the board decides to make a change.
Agarkar was initially expected to continue in the role until the 2027 ODI World Cup after taking charge in July 2023 and overseeing a period of significant success in Indian white-ball cricket. However, developments during and after India’s recent England tour have reportedly altered the board’s assessment of the selection committee’s leadership.
Rohit episode creates uncertainty around selection committee
The controversy began after speculation emerged over Rohit Sharma’s future in India’s ODI plans during the England series. Reports suggested that selectors and team management had concerns about his place in the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle, while the BCCI publicly backed the veteran batter’s continued involvement.
Rohit responded with a strong performance in the ODI series, scoring a century against England at Lord’s and reinforcing his desire to remain part of India’s plans. The situation, however, created questions around communication between the selectors and the board, with the episode becoming a key factor in discussions about Agarkar’s future.
The BCCI has not taken a final decision, and Agarkar remains in contention to continue. His immediate future is expected to be assessed alongside India’s broader performance review process, with the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka also viewed as an important part of the evaluation period.
BCCI review focuses on team direction
The board had planned a review meeting following India’s disappointing run in recent T20I and ODI assignments, including losses against Ireland and England. The meeting has yet to take place, with BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia previously outlining that the discussion would focus on performance and improvements.
“It will be strictly about the performance of the team and how course correction can be done with regard to the shortcomings. Nothing else will be discussed,” Saikia told IANS.
The BCCI has also played down the significance of recent setbacks, describing them as part of the fluctuations that occur in international cricket rather than an indication of a deeper crisis.
“The BCCI is currently observing the performance of the Indian T20 team, which has not been up to the mark in the ongoing series against England. However, this is not something abnormal and can happen in international cricket. We consider it a purely bad phase,” Saikia added.
Laxman emerges as possible successor
If the BCCI decides to move in a different direction, VVS Laxman has emerged as one of the leading names under consideration for the chief selector position.
Laxman currently heads the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he oversees player development programmes, coaching structures and the broader pathway system supporting Indian cricket. He has also taken charge as interim head coach on overseas assignments when required.
The former India batter’s experience and stature within Indian cricket are viewed as key strengths, particularly given his existing relationships with senior players and his involvement in developing the next generation of talent.
However, Agarkar’s record remains a significant factor in the decision-making process. Since becoming Chief Selector, his committee has overseen India’s run to multiple ICC finals and three consecutive global titles, including the 2024 T20 World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy and 2026 T20 World Cup.
Decision expected during BCCI deliberations
The final decision on Agarkar’s future is expected to be discussed during the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting in September. Until then, the former India fast bowler remains a candidate to continue, with his preference understood to be extending his tenure through the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The situation leaves the BCCI balancing two competing considerations: maintaining continuity after a successful period in white-ball cricket while also addressing concerns raised by recent selection debates and team performances.
