Ajit Agarkar: Taking bullets with a smile in Indian cricket’s hottest seat | Cricket News

BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar on day two of the Duleep Trophy 2025 first semifinal cricket match between South Zone and North Zone, at BCCI Centre of Excellence floor, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (PTI)

NEW DELHI: The buzz round group choice is at all times intense. Who will make the lower? Who needs to be included or ignored? Does a senior participant’s stature typically outweigh present type? Amid all this, the one one who takes the warmth is the – selector.Sitting on the selector’s sizzling seat isn’t straightforward. But former India pacer Ajit Agarkar, the present chief selector, has been taking the criticism in his stride.

Agarkar is on the helm since 2023. Since taking cost, Agarkar has confronted his share of scrutiny however has not often reacted publicly — as a result of outcomes have spoken louder than phrases.Under his tenure, India reached the 2023 ODI World Cup ultimate, received the 2024 T20 World Cup, and added one other ICC title by successful the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Mumbai: BCCI choice committee Chairman Ajit Agarkar with Indian males’s T20 cricket group captain Suryakumar Yadav throughout a press convention to announce the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, on the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)(PTI08_19_2025_000241A)

Beyond the silverware, Agarkar has additionally laid the inspiration for the long run, backing a number of younger and promising cricketers. Players corresponding to Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Abhishek Sharma, Harshit Rana, Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy have all benefited from his belief and help. Even the likes of Karun Nair acquired a second wind. Agarkar has additionally proven he’s not afraid to take daring calls. Shubman Gill’s elevation to the Test captaincy is probably the most present instance. At the tip of the day, it’s the selector who goes by way of the grind, balancing expertise, type, health, and future imaginative and prescient.TimesofIndia.com spoke to former selector Devang Gandhi, who shared insights on the challenges of choice and the way Agarkar has been dealing with the strain with calmness and delivering outcomes too.

Bengaluru: BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, middle, former cricketer VVS Laxman, proper, and others on day two of the Duleep Trophy 2025 first semifinal cricket match between South Zone and North Zone, at BCCI Centre of Excellence floor, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak) (PTI09_05_2025_000109B)

“Selector’s job is not easy. It is not easy to please everyone. It’s never easy. Often, it’s not about selection but elimination. It is tough (on dropping senior players) because there is so much talent at your disposal. Some decisions may sound harsh. As a player, I understand the emotions of those left out. If things are communicated well, players also understand. Ultimately, you just have to wait for your time and grab the opportunity,” Gandhi advised TimesofIndia.com in an unique interview.“Ajit and his team have done a very good job. Under their tenure, India has already won two ICC trophies, which people should not forget. On the recent England tour too, a young side did well. Regarding Shreyas Iyer — he wasn’t part of the 2024 World Cup either. He has been consistent in the IPL, but the question is: in whose place will he come in? Tilak has runs in South Africa, Surya has done well, Hardik and Shivam Dube are in the middle order, followed by the keeper and Axar Patel. Right now, Shreyas will have to wait, but he is extremely talented and improving,” he stated.“In Indian cricket, 90% of the squad picks itself. The debates are usually around 1–2 players, depending on conditions. For Australia, you might take an extra fast bowler; in Asia, an extra spinner. Those small details matter. You must look at longevity — whether that player will still be around for the next World Cup. At times, you have to groom someone younger, even if it means letting go of a senior player. It’s a tough call, but necessary,” Gandhi stated.

**EDS: THIRD PARTY IMAGE** In this picture through @BCCI through X on Aug. 19, 2025, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, choice committee Chairman Ajit Agarkar and others throughout a assembly for choice of the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. (@BCCI/X through PTI Photo)(PTI08_19_2025_000203B)

As the saying goes, “you can’t please everyone.” Gandhi believes a selector should set criticism apart and focus solely on what’s finest for the group.But what occurs when the Indian captain sits in the choice room? How a lot weight does the captain’s opinion carry?Does he have the higher hand in the ultimate name?“Criticism is part of the job in a country like India. Every domestic performer feels they should play for India. But we have to cater to the needs of Indian cricket, not emotions. Yes, there will be criticism in the media and on social media, but as selectors, we only focused on a few trusted voices and whether we were on the right track,” Gandhi stated.

“Normally, selectors and captains are aligned. If the captain feels strongly about one player, there is nothing wrong in accommodating that. Ultimately, it’s about what’s best for Indian cricket,” he stated.“Very important. They coexist and serve the larger cause of Indian cricket. Differences of opinion happen, but overall alignment makes the job easier for everyone. Ideally, that’s how it should work,” he added.With India set to start their Asia Cup 2025 marketing campaign, the defending champions will look to retain their crown in the UAE. This version will even mark a new chapter, as India take the sector with out stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, but they continue to be favourites.India have received the event a file eight instances — probably the most by any group in Asia Cup historical past.India will open their marketing campaign on September 10 towards hosts UAE on the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The much-anticipated conflict with arch-rivals Pakistan will comply with on September 14 on the identical venue.“I think the team that has been selected is a very good and formidable side. We must remember that India has so much talent that we can even put up another T20 side which can compete at the world level,” Gandhi stated.“Unfortunately, selection is more of an elimination process in India — someone will always miss out. Those who haven’t been picked will need to keep scoring runs or taking wickets and wait for their turn,” he added.