Photo via Hindustan Times

Ajit Agarkar wants to step down as chief selector, writes to BCCI

Ajit Agarkar has informed the BCCI of his desire to vacate his position as chairman of the men's selection panel once his term concludes on October 4. Although eligible for an additional one-year renewal after beginning his role in July 2023, Agarkar reminded board leadership of February discussions regarding prospective replacements and recently skipped an official review session.

Disagreements with the board concerning Rohit Sharma's continuation in one-day internationals appear to have accelerated the move, despite some internal support for retaining him through the 2027 World Cup. Board secretary Devajit Saikia noted that fifteen days remain before a final call must be made, following an authorization by office bearers at Friday's AGM.

During his tenure, Agarkar guided key leadership changes, including naming Shubman Gill Test skipper following the departures of Sharma and Virat Kohli, alongside picking Shreyas Iyer over Suryakumar Yadav for the T20I captaincy after the 2026 T20 World Cup. Should Agarkar depart, former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel stands as the primary contender to take over due to holding 25 Test caps, marginally ahead of fellow selector Pragyan Ojha's 24 caps under the board's constitutional rule that awards the chairmanship to the panel's most capped Test cricketer.