VVS Laxman, Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]Ajit Agarkar’s three-year tenure as the chairman of India’s senior men’s selection committee appears to be heading towards its final chapter. While the former India pacer has reportedly decided against seeking an extension, developments behind the scenes suggest that his exit was shaped by a series of disagreements with the BCCI. A reported fallout with VVS Laxman over Centre of Excellence matters and differences over selection-related decisions with Rohit Sharma have now emerged as key factors behind Ajit Agarkar’s decision.VVS Laxman saga emerges to be the driving force behind Ajit Agarkar's BCCI exitAgarkar’s exit appears to have been building for some time, with his relationship with VVS Laxman reportedly becoming increasingly strained over several policy matters.According to a PTI report, the two former India teammates had a big difference of opinion over the handling of injured players and the scheduling of India A matches. Also Read- Ajit Agarkar Himself Denies BCCI Contract Extension As Chief SelectorThe disagreements reportedly extended beyond individual decisions and gradually affected the working relationship between the selection committee and the Centre of Excellence (CoE).“VVS Laxman and Ajit Agarkar had been India teammates for quite a number of years but one can safely say that there has been a serious difference of opinion between them when it came to policy decision on injured players as well as the scheduling of India A games,” the report stated.Laxman angry over partial blameThe situation reportedly worsened after the CoE came under criticism over injury-related developments involving several Indian players. Laxman was reportedly unhappy that the facility received criticism for matters that were not entirely under his control.A subsequent leak of an elaborate injury list involving top Indian players is also believed to have increased mistrust between the two sides.“VVS Laxman was also miffed that COE got a lot of flak for reasons which weren't exactly under his control. A mutual mistrust had also grown after an elaborate injury list of the top players was published in the media.”The development comes after Ajit Agarkar himself reportedly informed the BCCI that he did not wish to continue as chief selector. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla had also indicated after the 95th AGM that the board's office-bearers had been authorised to decide the next course of action regarding the chief selector.Agarkar was not on the same line over Rohit Sharma decisionThe Rohit Sharma episode reportedly became another major turning point in Agarkar’s relationship with the BCCI hierarchy.The selection committee had reportedly considered moving on from Rohit ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle. Pragyan Ojha, Rohit’s former India and Mumbai Indians teammate, was reportedly involved in communicating the decision to the veteran batter.However, Rohit Sharma subsequently approached senior BCCI officials, following which the board issued a public statement backing him. The move reportedly left Ajit Agarkar frustrated because he was not aware that the statement was going to be released.“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. He understood that going forward, the call on big names won't be his prerogative,” a senior BCCI official told PTI."The fact that Agarkar possibly could never accept was that when it comes to megastars in Indian cricket, retirement or continuation, hardly ever has that been a call of the selection committee. It has and will always remain an administrative call, give it or take it," the report further mentions.Who can replace Ajit Agarkar as India's chief selector?With Agarkar's departure now seemingly imminent, the BCCI has reportedly shortlisted Pragyan Ojha and Parthiv Patel as potential replacements.Ojha played 48 internationals for India and claimed 144 wickets, including 24 Test appearances. Parthiv, meanwhile, represented India in 25 Tests, 38 ODIs and two T20Is, scoring 1,706 international runs while also contributing as a wicketkeeper.Both reportedly satisfy the eligibility requirement of having played at least seven Tests and having retired from all forms of cricket at least five years before applying.Also Read- Korogi Pitch Report, Weather Report For India vs Bangladesh Women's Asian Games 2026, Semi Final 2
