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Ashwin Backs Agarkar As Selector Faces Uncertain Future

Star cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has defended selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar amid mounting pressure on the panel. The backing comes as Agarkar navigates heightened scrutiny following controversies including questions around senior player management.

LSN India · 25 September 2026

Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly supported Ajit Agarkar's tenure as chairman of the national selection committee, asserting that the embattled selector has not committed any significant lapses in judgment. The defence of Agarkar comes at a critical juncture as the selection panel faces intense scrutiny from cricket stakeholders and observers.

The selection committee has attracted considerable attention in recent months, particularly following the handling of matters related to senior players and team composition decisions. Questions have been raised about the panel's approach to player management and selection philosophy, with critics questioning key decisions made during Agarkar's watch.

Ashwin's endorsement suggests that at least some sections of the cricket fraternity view the challenges facing the selection committee as reflective of broader pressures rather than individual failures. However, the precise nature of the controversies and whether they will impact Agarkar's continuation in the role remains unclear.

The selector's future hangs in balance as the Board of Control for Cricket in India evaluates the performance of its selection apparatus. Agarkar's tenure has coincided with a period of transition for Indian cricket, with the panel tasked with building competitive squads across formats while managing expectations of senior players and emerging talent.

No official statement has been made regarding potential changes to the selection committee's leadership or composition.