NEW DELHI: Ajit Agarkar will not be around the selection table when India take on West Indies in the second T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex on Friday. But the former India pacer has an interesting connection with Ranchi and the venue.The last time Ranchi hosted a T20I, Agarkar was there too – not as the chairman of the BCCI selection committee, but as a pitch expert.In 2023, when India played New Zealand in a T20I at the same venue, Agarkar did the pitch report before the match.As part of the broadcast coverage, Agarkar assessed the playing conditions and pointed out the dimensions of the ground, the grass cover and the possible impact of dew.“The average first innings score is 156. Square boundaries are little over 60 and straight boundaries are little over 70, in the corner around the players pavilion it’s only 57 and 59 metres. The pitch looks excellent, there is even covering of grass and there might be some help with the new ball. There is a lot of talk about the dew, the curator kept the grass as minimum as possible on the outfield to negate the dew factor. The ball will skid on nicely, but looks an excellent pitch for batting,” reckon Ajit Agarkar in 2023.Three years later, as India return to Ranchi for another T20I, Agarkar’s tenure as chairman of selectors has come to an end.
Agarkar’s three-year stint ends
The BCCI invited applications on Tuesday to fill the vacant position in the men’s selection committee following Agarkar’s exit. Agarkar’s tenure ended on October 4. The former India pacer had informed the board after its Annual General Meeting on September 18 that he would not seek an extension.Pragyan Ojha is currently the interim chairman of selectors, with Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra and RP Singh the other members of the panel.“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) invites applications for one position on its Men’s Selection Committee,” the BCCI said on its website.The deadline for applications is October 14.
BCCI thanks Agarkar
Agarkar leaves the post after a successful period for Indian cricket. During his tenure, India won the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups and the 2025 Champions Trophy. The team also won two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals, while reaching the 2023 ODI World Cup final. His tenure also saw the beginning of a major transition in Indian cricket, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from T20Is and Tests.The BCCI thanked Agarkar for his contribution and highlighted the major achievements during his time as chairman.“A tenure marked by some truly special moments for Indian cricket — three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games Gold medals, along with a run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final,” the BCCI posted on its official X account.“Thank you, Mr Ajit Agarkar for your commitment, conviction and contribution as Chairman of the Men’s Selection Committee. Wishing you the very best for the journey ahead,” the board added.
