Ajit Agarkar’s future as India’s chief selector has come under fresh scrutiny, with the BCCI reportedly considering a leadership change ahead of the September 2026 deadline. According to Dainik Jagran, speculation around Rohit Sharma’s retirement plans, along with what has been described as mixed communication from the board, has added further pressure on Agarkar’s position.
Agarkar’s original term ended in June 2026, after which the BCCI granted him a three-month extension to allow for a structured review. That extension has now pushed the current timeline to September 2026, with the board stating that discussions over the next chief selector remain at the consideration stage. No formal decision has been announced so far.
Since taking charge in July 2023, Agarkar has overseen a successful phase for Indian cricket, particularly in white-ball formats. During his tenure, India reached four ICC white-ball finals and won three major global titles in succession — the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup.
ALSO READ: IPL-to-Test Transition Under Scanner As India Grapples With Rising Injury Concerns
Despite those achievements, the BCCI is now believed to be reassessing its long-term leadership structure. Among the leading candidates to replace Agarkar is VVS Laxman, who currently heads the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. In that role, Laxman oversees India’s development pathway, including the Under-19 structure, coaching programmes, education initiatives and sports science.
People are happy, thinking that VVS Laxman might replace Ajit Agarkar. But they’re missing one point. According to Abhishek Tripathi’s report, Ajit Agarkar hasn’t been able to communicate effectively with Rohit and Virat, which is why VVS Laxman may be brought in to handle those… pic.twitter.com/uI53USJUAK
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) August 5, 2026
Laxman has already been part of several important BCCI discussions in recent years. He was considered for the head coach role after Rahul Dravid stepped down in 2024, before Gautam Gambhir was eventually appointed. Reports have also suggested that the board explored a split-coaching model with Laxman handling Test cricket after India’s poor results under Gambhir, although that idea did not move forward. He also served as interim coach during India’s 2026 tour of Zimbabwe.
The case for Laxman, according to reports, is that his opinions carry significant weight within the dressing room and that senior players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would be more receptive to his guidance.
WATCH – Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel Turn Photographers As India Arrive in Colombo
Agarkar, meanwhile, has reportedly hoped to continue through the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, the BCCI is said to have offered no firm assurances, and its stance now appears to be shifting. The report adds that Agarkar’s immediate future may depend on the outcome of the upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka, with a final call expected at the BCCI’s AGM in September 2026.
