Mumbai: The position of India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar is reportedly under serious scrutiny following the controversy surrounding Rohit Sharma’s future in the ODI setup, with indications that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could replace him with former India great VVS Laxman.

Agarkar, who took over as chairman of selectors in 2023, was initially expected to continue in the role until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Although his contract was set to end in June 2026, the BCCI had granted him a three-month extension, signalling short-term continuity. However, recent developments suggest that the board is reconsidering its stance.

Rohit Sharma saga complicates matters

The situation reportedly became complicated due to uncertainty and mixed signals regarding Rohit Sharma’s future in the ODI format. Reports had suggested that the three-match ODI series against England would mark Rohit’s final appearance in the format.

It is understood that the Agarkar-led selection panel had discussions with the Gautam Gambhir-led team management about potentially phasing Rohit out of future ODI assignments. The move was believed to be part of a broader transition plan ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

However, the situation took a dramatic turn during the third ODI at Lord’s. Rohit Sharma delivered a match-winning century, challenging the narrative around his retirement and putting the selectors in a difficult position.

Conflicting signals from BCCI leadership

The controversy deepened when BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia publicly stated that Rohit Sharma would continue to be part of India’s ODI plans as long as he remained in contention.

“Rohit is a regular member of the Indian ODI team, and he will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. In other words, the Lord’s ODI won’t be his last match,” Saikia said.

What raised further eyebrows was the apparent lack of coordination between the board’s leadership and the selection committee, with reports suggesting that the statement was issued without consulting Agarkar.

This disconnect has reportedly not gone down well within the BCCI, raising concerns about communication gaps and decision-making processes at the top level.

VVS Laxman emerges as potential successor

Amid the growing uncertainty, VVS Laxman has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Agarkar as chief selector. Currently serving as the head of the National Cricket Academy, now known as the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Laxman has been closely involved in grooming young talent and overseeing India’s bench strength.

His experience in handling player development and his strong rapport within the cricketing ecosystem make him a viable option for the role. The BCCI is believed to be considering a transition that aligns selection decisions more closely with long-term planning and team management strategies.

Performance concerns add pressure

Apart from the Rohit Sharma episode, India’s recent performances have also added to the pressure on the selection committee. The team reportedly suffered eight losses in ten matches during tours of Ireland and England, prompting the BCCI to call for a review meeting.

However, the meeting has yet to take place, even as the team has already travelled to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series. The delay has further fuelled speculation about internal challenges and lack of clarity in decision-making.

Future of India’s ODI plans

Another layer to the ongoing situation is the reported view within sections of the team management that Rohit Sharma may not be part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. This has created a complex scenario where performance, experience, and transition planning are all being weighed simultaneously.

The selectors now face the difficult task of balancing the need to build a future-ready squad while managing the presence of senior players who continue to deliver impactful performances.

Conclusion

The coming weeks could prove crucial for Ajit Agarkar’s future as India’s chief selector. The Rohit Sharma saga has exposed cracks in communication and planning within the BCCI, while also highlighting the challenges of managing transitions in a high-performance environment.

With VVS Laxman reportedly in contention and key decisions pending, the board’s next move will be closely watched. Ultimately, clarity in leadership and alignment between selectors and team management will be essential as India prepares for major international tournaments ahead.