sports · 2026-08-06
Agarkar's Job at Risk Over Rohit Row
Photo: Prime Minister's Office / wikimedia (BY-SA 4.0)
Ajit Agarkar's extension as chief selector expires in September, and his renewal is now uncertain ahead of BCCI's AGMVVS Laxman, currently head of BCCI's Centre of Excellence, has emerged as a possible replacement candidateRohit Sharma silenced retirement talk with 138 at Lord's, but conflicting internal narratives troubled BCCI insiders
Could BCCI actually replace Agarkar in September?
Yes, and it already happened: at the September 28 AGM the BCCI announced its new men's selection committee, keeping Ajit Agarkar as chairperson but inducting R.P. Singh and Pragyan Ojha in place of two previous members, rather than replacing him with VVS Laxman.
Who else joined or left the panel?
R.P. Singh and Pragyan Ojha were newly inducted into the men's selection committee alongside Agarkar, Shiv Sundar Das and Ajay Ratra, replacing two members from the previous panel as part of the AGM's broader reshuffle across BCCI committees.
What else changed at the same AGM?
The same September 28 meeting elected Mithun Manhas as BCCI president, Rajeev Shukla vice president and Devajit Saikia secretary, passed FY2024-25 accounts, approved the FY2025-26 budget, and named new Women's Selection and Junior Cricket Committees.
Why is VVS Laxman seen as the man for the job?
BCCI officials reportedly believe Laxman commands greater dressing-room influence than Agarkar, and his stature could strengthen communication with senior players like Rohit Sharma, whose conflicting retirement narratives had troubled sections within the board, according to Dainik Jagran.
What does Laxman currently do at the BCCI?
He heads the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, overseeing India's talent development pathway including Under-19 programmes, spanning coaching structures, sports science and player education. He has also served as India's stand-in head coach during overseas assignments when senior coaching staff were unavailable.
Has Laxman been considered for top roles before?
Yes. Laxman was considered for India's head coach role in 2024, but the BCCI chose Gautam Gambhir instead. His name later resurfaced for a potential split-coaching model, which was unrealised, though he continues to feature prominently in leadership discussions.
What really went on over Rohit's retirement push?
Selectors quietly told Rohit before the England tour they'd back younger openers eyeing 2027, a call BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia publicly denied. Rohit, sitting on scores of 11 and 26, then hit 138 at Lord's, exposing a gap between what officials said publicly and what selectors had told him privately.
Why was Rohit's captaincy already downgraded?
Agarkar's panel had replaced Rohit with Shubman Gill as ODI captain in October 2025, months after Rohit led India to the Champions Trophy title, reasoning he'd be 40 by the 2027 World Cup and a younger leader needed time to grow into the role.
When did talk of dropping Rohit actually start?
Selectors began discussing Rohit's future during IPL 2026, involving head coach Gautam Gambhir, and told Rohit directly before the England ODI series that younger openers would get chances ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Africa.
Source: livemint.com