BCCI takes massive action on Ajit Agarkar's future after Virat-Rohit's alleged 'FORCED' retirements

India are in a transitional phase as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from Test cricket ahead of the five-match series against England. Notably, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to extend Ajit Agarkar’s contract as Chairman of Selectors by at least a year.

Ajit Agarkar was appointed as chief selector for a two-year term on July 4, 2023. Several senior players have stepped away from formats, including veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from all international cricket, while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have ended their Test and T20I careers.

Ajit Agarkar to Continue as BCCI Chief Selector Amid Transition Phase

With the Indian cricket team undergoing a transitional phase, the BCCI is aiming for stability in management and decision-making. According to a report by CricBlogger, the board has decided to extend Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as Chairman of Selectors by at least one more year.

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“Agarkar should continue as chief selector. He is likely to get an extension for sure, but the board will follow the due process to make that happen,” a BCCI source told CricBlogger.

Ajit Agarkar has experience as an international cricketer, coach with Delhi Capitals (DC), and former Mumbai selector. Under his tenure, India clinched the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy while also finishing as runners-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

BCCI Hopes Momentum Under Ajit Agarkar Continues With T20 World Cup 2026 as Target

Most deserving players have been given opportunities during Ajit Agarkar's tenure. As India moves into a new era without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Tests, the BCCI has chosen to retain Agarkar for at least another year to ensure continuity during this transitional phase.

There are reports that he has had some differences with the team management and has faced criticism over the timing of Rohit and Kohli’s retirements. Consistent domestic performers like Sarfaraz Khan finally broke into the Test side, and Nitish Kumar Reddy was given a debut cap.

Karun Nair was recalled after eight years, and Yashasvi Jaiswal also made his debut soon after Agarkar took charge. His committee’s timely investment in new talent has been appreciated, and the BCCI hopes this momentum continues with the T20 World Cup 2026 as their target.

Team India's Next Assignment: Five-Match Test Series in England

India last won a Test series in England in 2007 under Rahul Dravid's captaincy. They drew the first Test at Lord's, won the second at Nottingham by seven wickets, and concluded the series with a draw in the final match at The Oval.

However, India have since struggled in English conditions. They were whitewashed 0-4 in 2011, lost 1-3 in 2014, and went down 1-4 in the 2018 series. Their 2021–22 tour ended in a 2-2 draw.

Notably, neither India nor England qualified for the World Test Championship (WTC) final in the current 2023–25 cycle. While India reached the final in the previous two editions, England have yet to appear in one.

Also read: Big blow: Suryakumar Yadav ruled out of cricket indefinitely as medical procedure confirmed