Ajit Agarkar’s decision to step away from the chairman’s role in India’s senior selection committee was reportedly influenced by multiple disagreements within the BCCI, including the handling of Rohit Sharma’s ODI future, differences with VVS Laxman and his absence from an important review meeting, as per The Economic Times. The issue surrounding Rohit reportedly became a major point of tension before India’s white-ball series against England. The selection committee, along with the team management, had decided to move on from the former India captain in ODIs after the Lord’s match. Pragyan Ojha, one of Rohit’s close friends, was reportedly asked to convey the decision.
The situation reportedly became more complicated after the BCCI released a media statement backing Rohit and dismissing speculation surrounding his retirement. He understood that going forward, the call on big names won’t be his prerogative,” a senior BCCI official privy to the development told news agency on condition of anonymity. One reported disagreement centred on India’s participation in the Asian Games.
He subsequently contacted a senior BCCI administrator to express his disappointment. The board then asked Agarkar to reconsider the approach, with Rohit continuing to contribute with the bat. There were also concerns over whether Rohit would remain effective on South African pitches by that stage. Agarkar was reportedly not aware that the statement was being issued. “That was perhaps the day when Ajit knew that it would be very difficult for him to continue. In fact, he had no inkling that a media statement was issued by the BCCI. Rohit was subsequently included in India’s ODI squad for the West Indies series, alongside Jaiswal. Agarkar reportedly questioned the need to field the main squad at an event regarded as a tier-two cricket competition. Scheduling added to the friction, with important India A fixtures clashing with domestic tournaments such as the Irani Cup. An India A series against New Zealand A also reportedly overlapped with senior India’s white-ball matches.
Rohit, who remains keen on playing at the 2027 ODI World Cup, was reportedly unhappy with the manner in which the decision was handled. Agarkar’s reported argument was that Yashasvi Jaiswal would need around 20 ODIs to establish himself before the 2027 World Cup.
Agarkar’s absence from the BCCI’s review meeting following India’s series defeat against England reportedly became another significant issue. The meeting was organised in Mumbai to assess the team’s performance and discuss the way forward. Agarkar did not attend physically and also did not join the meeting remotely.
