Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Ajit Agarkar’s Selection Exit Followed Years of Disputes
Ajit Agarkar was the head of India’s cricket selection committee.
His job was to help choose players and leaders for the national team.
The article says he often disagreed with the cricket board, called the BCCI.
In 2023, Agarkar wanted Ruturaj Gaikwad to captain India in Ireland.
The BCCI instead supported Jasprit Bumrah, who had just returned from a long injury break.
Agarkar also questioned how the Centre of Excellence handled player rehabilitation.
Later, a disagreement involving Rohit Sharma reportedly made Agarkar less interested in staying.
The BCCI is now looking for a new chief selector.
Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as India’s chief selector included repeated disagreements and controversies.
The BCCI overruled Agarkar in July 2023 by appointing Jasprit Bumrah captain for the Ireland tour.
Agarkar reportedly preferred Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead, partly to manage Bumrah’s workload.
He also criticized the Centre of Excellence’s functioning and clashed strategically with VVS Laxman.
Sources say the BCCI was not keen on extending Agarkar’s tenure, while Agarkar himself was reportedly unwilling to continue after the Rohit Sharma controversy.
- Who
- Ajit Agarkar, the BCCI, and other Indian cricket officials and players, including Jasprit Bumrah, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rohit Sharma and VVS Laxman.
- What
- Agarkar is leaving his position as chairman of India’s national senior men’s selection committee after disagreements over selection, captaincy and player rehabilitation.
- When
- The reported disagreements began in July 2023 and continued over the following three years; his departure was confirmed in the article’s current account.
- Where
- The disputes involved selection meetings, the Ireland tour, the Centre of Excellence and a review meeting in Mumbai; one Rohit Sharma dispute occurred at Lord’s.
- Why
- Sources said the BCCI was not keen on extending Agarkar’s tenure, while Agarkar reportedly decided he did not want to continue after the Rohit Sharma controversy.
Agarkar’s Position
BCCI’s Position
Ireland captaincy
Agarkar’s Position
Agarkar reportedly preferred Ruturaj Gaikwad to captain India, partly to reduce Jasprit Bumrah’s workload after his long absence.
BCCI’s Position
The BCCI backed Bumrah because he was keen to lead and should be given the opportunity.
Selection authority
Agarkar’s Position
Agarkar reportedly backed his own judgments and resisted outside influence, while objecting to interference in selection matters.
BCCI’s Position
The BCCI intervened on some decisions, including Bumrah’s captaincy, and reportedly was not keen on extending Agarkar’s tenure.
Reason for departure
Agarkar’s Position
Sources said Agarkar was not interested in continuing after the Rohit Sharma episode at Lord’s.
BCCI’s Position
Sources said the BCCI wanted Agarkar to leave but delayed making its intentions clear, allowing it to avoid directly dismissing him.
- Role
- Chairman of India’s national senior men’s selection committee
- First reported dispute
- July 2023, over the captaincy for India’s Ireland tour
- Agarkar’s preference
- Ruturaj Gaikwad should captain instead of Jasprit Bumrah
- BCCI’s position
- Bumrah wanted to lead and should receive the opportunity
- Additional criticism
- Agarkar questioned the functioning of the VVS Laxman-headed Centre of Excellence
- Exit circumstances
- Sources said the BCCI was not keen on his continuation, while Agarkar was reportedly unwilling to seek an extension
- Other selection decisions
- Agarkar was involved in decisions concerning the Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and dropped Suryakumar Yadav from India’s next assignment