VVS Laxman seen as contender to replace Ajit Agarkar as BCCI chief selector
On August 9, 2026, reports said former India batter VVS Laxman is being considered to replace Ajit Agarkar as the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s chief selector ahead of the board’s annual general meeting expected in September. There has been no official confirmation yet.
India are preparing for a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka that forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, led by Shubman Gill as captain, while the national setup navigates recent injury concerns, questions over fitness standards and debate about senior players. The board is expected to hold important administrative discussions at its AGM in September, and selectors and squad call-ups are likely to be part of those conversations.
Ajit Agarkar’s current tenure as chief selector is due to end in September 2026; earlier reports had suggested an extension through the 2027 ODI World Cup was possible but recent events, including debate around Rohit Sharma’s ODI future during the England tour, have reportedly prompted the board to reconsider those plans.
VVS Laxman is the Head of Cricket at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has been involved with India’s emerging talent. He has also stepped in as interim head coach for the T20I series in Zimbabwe and worked with domestic players, India A teams, Under-19 cricketers and the national setup, a background cited in reports discussing his suitability for administrative roles.
Some reports have argued the chief selector role could suit Laxman because it would entail less travelling than a full-time head coach’s job and allow him to remain involved in shaping younger players; however, PTI has reported that Laxman is not interested in the selector’s role at present, citing his commitment to help establish the Centre of Excellence after he declined the India head coach’s role in 2024. Other reports have suggested Laxman would be confirmed only if the BCCI decides not to extend Agarkar’s contract.
At a press conference at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Laxman said: "CoE is not a rehab centre. There’s a bigger responsibility and mandate given by the BCCI." He also said: "I moved to Bangalore in 2021 to continue the work that had already started and contribute towards Indian cricket." These remarks were given while discussing his responsibilities at the CoE.
The first Test of India’s Sri Lanka tour is scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle, a fixture that precedes the BCCI AGM where the board is expected to address key administrative posts, including the future of the chief selector role.