VVS Laxman Favored to Replace Ajit Agarkar as India’s Chief Selector: Report
Indian Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar's position is reportedly under severe threat following the 'Rohit Sharma saga' during India's 2026 ODI tour of England. Rohit scored a defiant century amidst speculation about his future, while reports indicate a clash over his ODI role and communication breakdowns within the BCCI regarding player fitness, notably Jasprit.
he position of Ajit Agarkar as the Chief Selector of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly hanging by a thread, just months after he received a contract renewal. The precarious situation stems primarily from the recent 'Rohit Sharma saga' during India's 2026 ODI tour of England, coupled with mounting pressure over selection decisions and a perceived communication gap within the cricketing establishment. Frustrated Himmat Singh Kicks Ball in Anger, Triggers Accidental Run-Out To Force Super Over in DPL 2026 (Watch Video).
The Rohit Sharma Controversy
The controversy ignited during India's three-match One-Day International series against England in July 2026, which ran from July 14 to July 19. Reports had surfaced suggesting that the series could mark Rohit Sharma's final appearances in the 50-over format, and that the Agarkar-led selection committee, in consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir's team management, had considered phasing out the veteran batter from future ODI assignments.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia publicly issued a statement affirming Rohit Sharma's continued place in the team plans, reportedly without consulting Agarkar. Adding another layer of complexity, Rohit then responded with a defiant century in the third ODI at Lord's on July 19, scoring 138 runs off 110 balls, a performance that further complicated matters for both the selectors and team management.
VVS Laxman in the Spotlight
Amidst this backdrop, a report by Dainik Jagran, former India batting maestro VVS Laxman has emerged as the clear frontrunner to replace Agarkar. Laxman, who currently heads cricket operations at the National Cricket Academy (Centre of Excellence) in Bengaluru, is believed to be favoured by some BCCI officials. There is a strong sentiment that senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma would lend greater respect to Laxman's decision-making and advice compared to the current setup.
While other names like Ravichandran Ashwin and Zaheer Khan were previously floated, Ashwin is currently ineligible due to BCCI regulations requiring a five-year cooling-off period after retirement from all forms of cricket; he retired from international cricket in December 2024. Rishabh Pant Tops Uttarakhand’s Individual Taxpayer List With Record INR 23.84 Crore Contribution.
Ajit Agarkar's Tenure and Challenges
Ajit Agarkar, who took over as Chief Selector in July 2023, initially oversaw a period of significant success, including India's triumphs in the 2024 T20 World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy, and the 2026 T20 World Cup, along with reaching the 2023 ODI World Cup final. His original contract was due to expire in June 2026, though reports in April 2026 indicated he had received a full one-year renewal until June 2027. However, the recent controversies have jeopardised these plans, with his tenure now reportedly set to end in September 2026.
Further compounding the pressure on Agarkar and the selection committee is a reported communication breakdown with the Centre of Excellence (CoE) regarding player fitness. A glaring instance of this disconnect involved pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who was initially expected to be available for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, but was later ruled out due to a knee injury after fresh medical assessments revealed a more serious condition. Viral Pic Shows Ishan Kishan Returns to RBI Patna Duties Amid Cricket Break.
The Road Ahead
The BCCI is expected to deliberate on Agarkar's future during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for September. The performance of the Indian team in the forthcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, commencing on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Galle, could prove to be a crucial factor in the board's final decision regarding the chief selector's role.
The coming weeks are poised to be critical for Indian cricket, with significant decisions looming that could reshape the leadership landscape of the national selection committee. The stakes are high as the BCCI aims to ensure stability and strong decision-making ahead of major international assignments.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2026 10:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
