Cricket

Ajit Agarkar’s final selection meeting looms: Plans ‘Thank you’ note to Devajit Saikia as BCCI silence clouds his future

September 16, 2026

Ajit Agarkar appears set to step down as India's chief selector following the squad naming for the upcoming home white-ball series against the West Indies, having received no communication from the BCCI regarding a contract renewal. Agarkar originally assumed the leadership role in July 2023, steering the national side through major Test transitions after Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin retired the following year, while overseeing tournament titles at the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and an undefeated Asia Cup run in Dubai.

Over that span, the team dropped only two ICC limited-overs fixtures: the 2023 ODI World Cup final and a single encounter with South Africa during the 2026 T20 showcase.

After his initial deal lapsed in June, cricket administrators granted a temporary extension through October 4, though Agarkar's request to stay until next year's October ODI World Cup stalled amid strategic disagreements over Rohit Sharma's inclusion for the 2027 World Cup, a tournament BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia publicly endorsed the veteran for despite the panel's opposing stance. Agarkar missed a September 3 review gathering in Mumbai because of short-notice travel and poor network connectivity, and he reportedly plans to send Saikia a formal message of appreciation thanking the board for his three-year tenure once the West Indies roster is finalised.