Indian cricket is in a natural transition phase. Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his international retirement. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from T20I and Test cricket. Ravindra Jadeja too has left the shortest format of the game. We have a new Test captain in Shubman Gill as well.
Agarkar to continue as India’s Chief Selector
At this point in time, when there is instability in the India cricket team, you need stability when it comes to management and the decision-makers. Taking this into account, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to extend Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar’s contract by at least a year.
“Agarkar should continue as chief selector. He is likely to get an extension for sure, but the board will follow the due process to make that happen,” a BCCI source told CricBlogger.
Since taking over in July 2023, Agarkar has done exceptionally well. His experience as a former cricketer, coach (Delhi Capitals), and selector (Mumbai) has seen him succeed. During his tenure, Team India has won the T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Men in Blue also reached the final of the ODI World Cup 2023.
There has been clarity regarding selections and non-selections of players. And more often than not, deserving players have gotten chances. Therefore, during the transition period with Rohit and Kohli nearing the end of their international careers, the BCCI has decided that Agarkar should continue for at least one year.
He’s had a few disagreements with the Indian management as per reports. And some have even blamed him for Rohit and Kohli’s Test retirement but one can’t fault the selection process under him. With Team India struggling of late in Test cricket, it was under him that Sarfaraz Khan, a domestic performer, got a chance.
Nitish Kumar Reddy was handed a maiden Test cap and went on to score a hundred in Australia. Karun Nair also got a call-up after 8 years. Yashasvi Jaiswal also made his debut not too long after Agarkar took over. He and his selection committee have done well when it comes to blood in talent at the right time. And the BCCI would hope that it continues, especially with the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching as well.
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