Reports: Ajit Agarkar's position under threat after Rohit's retirement rumours, BCCI considers VVS Laxman for chief selector role

Ajit Agarkar's future as India's chief selector is under serious scrutiny, with the BCCI weighing a potential change in leadership ahead of the September 2026 deadline. Retirement rumours surrounding Rohit Sharma and what reports describe as mixed messaging from the board have added pressure on Agarkar's position, according to Dainik Jagran.

Agarkar's original term concluded in June 2026. The BCCI subsequently offered him a three-month extension to allow time for a structured review, placing his current term's end point in September 2026. The board has acknowledged that discussions over who occupies the role going forward are at the 'consideration stage', with no formal announcement made.

Since assuming the chief selector's duties in July 2023, Agarkar has overseen a productive stretch in white-ball cricket. India appeared in four ICC white-ball finals during his tenure, claiming three consecutive global titles: the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Why is Laxman being considered for the chief selector position?

VVS Laxman, who currently heads the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Agarkar. In that capacity, Laxman manages the national cricket pathway, covering Under-19 development, coaching structure, education programmes and sports science.

Laxman has been part of senior BCCI conversations on multiple occasions. He was evaluated for the head coach role after Rahul Dravid stepped down in 2024, a position that eventually went to Gautam Gambhir. Reports also indicated the board looked at a split-coaching arrangement that would have placed Laxman in charge of Test cricket following India's whitewashes under Gambhir, though those talks produced no outcome. He additionally stepped in as interim coach for India's tour of Zimbabwe in 2026.

The reasoning behind his candidacy for the selection role is stated plainly in reports. "BCCI officials feel that Laxman's views will carry greater weight and that senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would also be more receptive to his advice."

What is the next confirmed step in this process?

Agarkar has made clear his intention to remain in the role at least through the 2027 ODI World Cup. Reports indicate, however, that "the BCCI never gave him any clear assurances in this regard, and now the board's stance appears to be changing."

As per the report, Agarkar's immediate future "hinges on the outcome of the two-Test series in Sri Lanka." A conclusive decision on the chief selector appointment is expected to be reached at the BCCI's AGM in September 2026. No official statement from the board has been issued at this stage.