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

Ajit Agarkar’s stint as India’s chief selector has been defined by bold calls, grooming young talent, and delivering results — including two ICC titles. Former selector Devang Gandhi told TOI that selection is “more elimination than choice,” stressing communication, long-term vision, and alignment with the captain as keys to balancing criticism and building for the future.

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 ground, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (PTI)

NEW DELHI: The buzz around team selection is always intense. Who will make the cut? Who should be included or left out? Does a senior player’s stature sometimes outweigh current form? Amid all this, the one person who takes the heat is the - selector. Sitting on the selector’s hot seat is never easy. But former India pacer Ajit Agarkar, the current chief selector, has been taking the criticism in his stride.

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Agarkar is at the helm since 2023. Since taking charge, Agarkar has faced his share of scrutiny but has rarely reacted publicly — because results have spoken louder than words. Under his tenure, India reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final, won the 2024 T20 World Cup, and added another ICC title by winning the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Mumbai: BCCI selection committee Chairman Ajit Agarkar with Indian men's T20 cricket team captain Suryakumar Yadav during a press conference to announce the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)(PTI08_19_2025_000241A)

Beyond the silverware, Agarkar has also laid the foundation for the future, backing several young and promising cricketers. Players such as Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Abhishek Sharma, Harshit Rana, Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy have all benefited from his trust and support. Even the likes of Karun Nair received a second wind. Agarkar has also shown he is not afraid to take bold calls. Shubman Gill's elevation to the Test captaincy is the most current example. At the end of the day, it is the selector who goes through the grind, balancing talent, form, fitness, and future vision. TimesofIndia.com spoke to former selector Devang Gandhi, who shared insights on the challenges of selection and how Agarkar has been handling the pressure with calmness and delivering results too.

Bengaluru: BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, center, former cricketer VVS Laxman, right, 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 ground, 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 told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive 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 said. "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 said.

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

As the saying goes, “you can’t please everyone.” Gandhi believes a selector must set criticism aside and focus solely on what is best for the team. But what happens when the Indian captain sits in the selection room? How much weight does the captain’s opinion carry? Does he have the upper hand in the final call? "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 said.

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"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 said. "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 begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign, the defending champions will look to retain their crown in the UAE. This edition will also mark a new chapter, as India take the field without stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, yet they remain favourites. India have won the tournament a record eight times — the most by any team in Asia Cup history. India will open their campaign on September 10 against hosts UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The much-anticipated clash with arch-rivals Pakistan will follow on September 14 at the same 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 said. "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.

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