VVS Laxman to replace Agarkar? BCCI mulls new chief selector

Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as India men’s chief selector is likely to end with the completion of his contract in September 2026, as his probable reason for exit is anticipated to be the retirement rumours surrounding Rohit Sharma after his dismissal in the second ODI of the series against England.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Devajit Saikia, later dismissed the report and noted that Rohit has been in their plans for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, following the opening batter’s superb knock of 138 runs.

VVS Laxman to replace Agarkar? Why BCCI is reportedly eyeing the batting legend

As per the reports of Dainik Jagran, India’s former Test batter, VVS Laxman, is the frontrunner to replace Agarkar. Laxman is already the head of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, along with filling the role of the head coach when Gautam Gambhir took a break from international cricket.

The final decision on the exit of Agarkar or Laxman replacing him is not yet confirmed. The decision is likely to be discussed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in September.

Agarkar can continue to be the chief selector if India win their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to take place on August 15. The blue brigade is already missing some of their key members, including Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, and Harshit Rana due to injuries.

Agarkar excels in white-ball formats — So why is his selector future in doubt?

As Agarkar is the chief selector of the BCCI, India made it to the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021-23, besides winning the three trophies in the T20 World Cup 2024 and 2026 along with the Champions Trophy 2025.

However, the Test team of the Indian side had a decline as they were whitewashed in the red-ball series at home to New Zealand and South Africa. Some of his selection calls are also under the scanner, including the continued omission of Mohammed Shami.

If Agarkar brings more domestic players into the squad for the upcoming series and they do well, it can decide the fate of the current chief selector. In the same way, India’s squad selection for the CWC 2027 will also be very important.