Virat Kohli's 2 Ex-Teammates Lead Race To Replace Ajit Agarkar

Virat Kohli's 2 Ex-Teammates To Join BCCI As Ajit Agarkar's Replacement (Source: AFP)One person who has been the in the limelight in India at present is Ajit Agarkar. His future as the chairman (Chief Selector) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee has become a major talking point.It is important to mention that the former India all-rounder was absent from Thursday's (September 3) performance review meeting at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, adding to the uncertainty around his position.He completed three years as chief selector in July 2026 and is expected to receive an extension. However, reports suggest that there are questions within the BCCI over whether he will continue in the role beyond September.The BCCI review meeting was attended by secretary Devajit Saikia, head coach Gautam Gambhir, CoE chief VVS Laxman, Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill and T20I captain Shreyas Iyer. Agarkar was expected to join virtually, but that did not happen.“Today, he was out of station, so he could not be a part of the meeting. The meeting was called at very short notice, and our chairman of the selection committee, Ajit, was not in town. So he could not join the meeting, and he was in an area where he could not join online either, despite our best efforts,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said. Also Read: BCCI Rules Out VVS Laxman's Appointment, Ajit Agarkar Kept HangingParthiv Patel Or Zaheer Khan To Replace Ajit Agarkar As BCCI Chief Selector?With uncertainty surrounding Ajit Agarkar, the names of two former India and RCB teammates of Virat Kohli have reportedly entered the discussion.According to a report in The Telegraph, a section within the BCCI wants a new person to take charge of the selection committee. VVS Laxman is reportedly the alternative name, although he does not want to take up a position that requires extensive travelling. Along with Laxman, Virat Kohli’s former teammates India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel and fast bowler Zaheer Khan are also being considered. "A section within the BCCI is in favour of having a new chairman. Laxman is the preferred choice as an alternative but the COE chief isn’t keen on any role which involves constant travelling. The names of Parthiv Patel and Zaheer Khan are also doing the rounds."It is important to note here that no official decision has been taken as of now. Ajit Agarkar's position could get more clarity after the BCCI's AGM on September 18.Why Do Parthiv Patel Or Zaheer Khan Have A Perfect CV To Replace Ajit Agarkar?Zaheer Khan brings remarkable experience from the franchise cricket setup. After ending his playing career, he served as Director of Cricket Operations from 2018 to 2021 and later became the Global Head of Cricket Development at Mumbai Indians in 2022.He later joined Lucknow Super Giants as a team mentor in August 2024.Parthiv Patel also has a strong post-retirement CV. He has worked as a talent scout for Mumbai Indians for three seasons (2020-2023). He also worked as batting coach for MI Emirates during the inaugural ILT20 season. Ahead of the 2025 IPL season, Gujarat Titans appointed Patel as their assistant and batting coach.Rohit Sharma decision strained Agarkar-BCCI bondThe uncertainty around Ajit Agarkar is also linked to reported differences between the selection panel and the BCCI over certain decisions. The handling of Rohit Sharma's future earlier this year reportedly created further tension.A selector reportedly told Rohit Sharma that the team was looking beyond him for the 2027 ODI World Cup. This incident reportedly upset some officials and added to the questions surrounding Agarkar's position.As per earlier reports, the BCCI was not happy with Agarkar, but the latest report (The Telegraph) states that he is not willing to continue, and in that case, the BCCI will have to look for an experienced alternative.As of now, Ajit Agarkar's future remains undecided.Also Read: Ajit Agarkar Deputed Away From Indian Team, Other Selectors To Oversee IND vs AFG T20Is