Rohit Sharma set to continue ODI career in West Indies series after BCCI talks; Agarkar’s fate still undecided: Report

Ajit Agarkar's future is under consideration, with BCCI office-bearers set to meet after the two-match Test series in Sri Lanka to discuss his extension.

The incumbent men’s selection committee chief, Ajit Agarkar, was expected to receive an extension until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Success in three consecutive ICC white-ball tournaments had strengthened the expectation that he would continue in the role. However, his future is now reportedly under consideration, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) office-bearers set to meet after the two-match Test series in Sri Lanka to discuss his extension.

Rohit Sharma had scored a century in the third ODI game against England last month (ANI Pic Service)

Agarkar, who was appointed in mid-2023 and has completed three years in the role, is eligible for another one-year extension under the rules. According to a report in The Indian Express, the proposed meeting comes against the backdrop of differences between the selection committee and the BCCI top brass over Rohit Sharma’s future in international cricket.

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The report said Rohit was told by the selectors that he would be replaced by the end of the ODI series in England. Rohit, however, expressed his desire to continue playing the format. The selectors reportedly told him they wanted to give players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal an opportunity to stake their claim after the England series.

However, a day after reports emerged that the Lord’s ODI could be Rohit’s last in Indian colours, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia responded to the social media criticism surrounding the development, saying the former India captain “will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things”. The comment reportedly did not go down well with the selectors.

Rohit later responded to the speculation with his bat, smashing a stunning century in the series finale against England.

The Indian Express also reported that the BCCI has asked the selection committee to assess Rohit’s future on a series-by-series basis as India build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The report further said Rohit had spoken to a few BCCI officials on the sidelines of the England series and expressed his displeasure over the selectors’ decision. Sources cited by the newspaper said that, following a discussion with a top BCCI official and his century, Rohit is likely to be part of India’s upcoming home series against the West Indies.