A significant behind-the-scenes power struggle is reportedly brewing within Indian cricket’s administration, with reports suggesting Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector could come to an end in the coming weeks, with legendary batter VVS Laxman emerging as the leading candidate to replace him.
What’s Being Reported
According to multiple Indian media reports, the BCCI’s senior leadership is exploring alternatives to Agarkar rather than granting him a further contract extension. Agarkar’s original term expired in June 2026, but the board granted a three-month extension running through September. Until recently, expectations were that he would receive another extension keeping him in charge through the conclusion of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Recent developments, however, have reportedly complicated that assumption considerably.
The Rohit Sharma Controversy at the Center of It
The reported friction traces back to speculation during India’s recent ODI series in England, when reports suggested the series would mark the end of Rohit Sharma’s career in the format. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was forced to publicly refute that narrative, stating plainly that no decision had been made to force the veteran out. That the speculation emerged at all, and required an official denial, has reportedly created friction between selectors, board administrators, and the playing group.
Rohit responded to the swirling speculation in the most direct way possible: with a match-winning century, leaving selectors and team management facing renewed scrutiny over their reported internal discussions.
The Shami Subplot
Adding another layer of intrigue is the situation involving experienced pacer Mohammed Shami, who has continued performing well for Bengal in domestic cricket despite being out of India’s selection picture for an extended period. Agarkar has previously cited fitness concerns as his reasoning. Should Agarkar depart the role, questions are already being raised about whether Shami could return to national selection consideration, particularly given India’s recent struggles in red-ball cricket.
Why VVS Laxman Is the Frontrunner
Laxman currently serves as Head of Cricket at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he is widely regarded as one of the key architects behind India’s player development pathway. He has also stepped in as interim head coach for India’s white-ball assignments when Gautam Gambhir was unavailable, giving him direct recent experience with the senior setup, in addition to his oversight of India A and Under-19 pathways.
A Track Record Worth Noting
It’s worth stating plainly that Agarkar’s tenure since 2023 has coincided with one of the most successful periods in Indian cricket history, with the team winning three ICC titles during his time in charge: the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups, along with the 2025 Champions Trophy. His committee has also navigated a wave of retirements across formats, including Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane, among others.
What Happens Next
The BCCI is expected to address the matter formally during its Annual General Meeting in September, alongside a long-delayed review of India’s disappointing series results against Ireland and England, a review that has notably not yet taken place despite the team already having departed for the Sri Lanka tour. India’s upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka is widely being viewed as an unofficial audition for Agarkar, with his performance in that series likely to weigh heavily on the board’s eventual decision.