Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as India’s chief selector could reportedly be nearing its end, with a report claiming the BCCI is considering a change at the top of the selection committee ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Agarkar’s position has come under scrutiny following the controversy surrounding Rohit Sharma’s ODI future. The former India fast bowler’s original tenure ended in June 2026, but the BCCI granted him a three-month extension. At the time, it was widely expected that he would continue until the conclusion of the 2027 ODI World Cup. That extension now appears uncertain.
The Rohit Sharma controversy
The report claims that the Agarkar-led selection committee, along with the team management, had discussed moving on from Rohit Sharma after the ODI series against England.
Reports initially suggested that the three-match series would be Rohit’s final ODI assignment. Later, it emerged that the third ODI at Lord’s could mark his farewell.
Soon afterwards, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia publicly stated that Rohit remained part of India’s ODI plans and would continue to play as long as he featured in the team’s future plans. The statement was widely viewed as contradicting the reports surrounding the selectors’ plans.
And the situation changed dramatically when Rohit scored a century in that match, strengthening his case to continue in the format.
VVS Laxman reportedly in contention
The BCCI is now considering VVS Laxman as a possible replacement for Agarkar. Laxman currently heads the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has also overseen several India tours involving second-string squads, including the recent T20I series in Zimbabwe. His experience in player development and familiarity with the domestic structure reportedly make him a strong candidate should the board decide to make a change.
The report also states that the BCCI is yet to hold its scheduled review meeting following India’s disappointing run in Ireland and England, where the team lost eight of its ten matches. The meeting was expected to take place after the England tour but has reportedly been delayed despite the squad already leaving for Sri Lanka.
Neither the BCCI nor Agarkar has officially commented on the report, and no decision regarding the chief selector’s future has been announced. For now, the claims remain unverified, but they add another layer of uncertainty to India’s leadership and selection structure as preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup gather pace.
