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Major changes brewing in the BCCI! Is Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar on his way out? VVS Laxman could take his place
There is a buzz within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the position of Chief Selector. According to media reports, the tenure of current Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar is under threat. Questions are being raised about Agarkar's working style following reports of Rohit Sharma's ODI retirement and the Board's ambiguous stance on the matter. Amidst this, the name of legendary Indian batter VVS Laxman is emerging as the frontrunner for the role of the new Chief Selector.
Ajit Agarkar had received a 3-month extension
Ajit Agarkar's initial tenure was set to conclude in June 2026, but the BCCI extended it by three months—until September 2026—to review his performance. The Board is currently deliberating on this decision, although nothing has been officially finalized yet.
Agarkar assumed this responsibility in July 2023. During his tenure, Team India's performance in white-ball cricket has been outstanding. India secured three major ICC titles:
- 2024 T20 World Cup
- 2025 Champions Trophy
- 2026 T20 World Cup
Reports suggest that Agarkar wishes to remain in the role until the 2027 ODI World Cup, but the Board has not provided any concrete assurances. His future will depend on the review meeting scheduled after the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.
Why is VVS Laxman the top choice?
Currently, VVS Laxman serves as the Head of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE).
He is handling major responsibilities such as the development of Under-19 players, the coaching system, and sports science.Three main reasons have emerged for appointing Laxman as the Chief Selector:
- Influence on senior players: The Board believes that stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would take Laxman's opinions and suggestions more seriously.
- Experience: He has served as the interim coach of the Indian team during the 2026 Zimbabwe tour and was also in the race for the head coach position after Rahul Dravid.
- Understanding of young talent: As the Head of the CoE, he possesses deep insight into India's emerging players (grassroots talent).
Decision likely at the September 2026 AGM
The BCCI's next Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled to be held in September 2026. It is believed that the official announcement regarding the new Chief Selector could be made during this meeting.
