Ajit Agarkar’s position as chairman of the BCCI’s senior men’s selection committee could be under threat, with VVS Laxman emerging as a possible candidate for the top selector’s role, The Daily Jagran has learnt.

Agarkar’s tenure was earlier expected to be extended until the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, sources close to The Daily Jagran say the situation has become complicated in recent months following developments around Rohit Sharma’s future in ODI cricket.

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Is Agarkar’s tenure no longer a certainty?

Before the second ODI of India’s recent England tour, reports emerged suggesting that Rohit Sharma’s international career could be coming to an end. The development created uncertainty within the Indian cricket setup.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia subsequently stated that Rohit would continue playing as long as he remained part of the team’s plans. Importantly, the statement was made without consulting the chief selector.

Rohit then responded on the field, scoring a brilliant century at Lord’s. Despite his 138-run knock, India went on to lose the match.

While there was earlier consideration of extending Agarkar’s tenure until June 2027, some BCCI officials are now discussing the possibility of bringing in VVS Laxman as the next chairman of the senior selection committee.

 

Could VVS Laxman take over from Agarkar?

Laxman, who is currently the Head of Cricket at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), has emerged as a name being considered for the role.

The proposal, however, is still at the discussion stage. A final decision is expected around the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting in September.

Some BCCI officials believe Laxman’s views would carry greater weight within the Indian dressing room and that senior players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would respect his counsel.

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Agarkar has not been completely ruled out yet. Despite questions being raised over some selection decisions in recent months, the BCCI is still weighing the option of giving him a one-year extension, keeping the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.

Why did the Rohit Sharma controversy become so complicated?

The Daily Jagran has learnt that those steering the Indian team do not want Rohit Sharma to be part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

During the England tour, a member of the selection committee also took the BCCI’s top brass into confidence on the matter.

Discussions had taken place with Rohit as well. However, immediately after he was dismissed during the second ODI against England on July 16, reports emerged that the Lord’s match could be the former captain’s final appearance for India.

The news triggered a massive reaction on social media. On July 17, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that Rohit would remain a regular member of the squad as long as he continued to be part of the team’s plans. Two days later, Rohit produced a stunning 138 at Lord’s, although India lost the match.

Are selectors and BCCI officials on the same page?

The Rohit episode has also highlighted differences in thinking within the Indian cricket establishment.

Some selectors believe that India cannot win the 2027 ODI World Cup under Rohit’s leadership. At the same time, some BCCI officials appear to be taking social media reactions into consideration while framing their approach. This has added another layer to the ongoing debate over the future composition of India’s leadership and selection setup.