Former India batsman Aakash Chopra applauded Ravichandran Ashwin for publicly supporting Ajit Agarkar as India’s chief selector, despite the fact that Ashwin was one of the older players phased out during Agarkar’s tenure. Agarkar’s contract as top selector expires on October 4, 2026, and he has decided not to seek an extension, advising the BCCI of his choice before that date.
Ashwin recognised that Agarkar had to make some difficult decisions during his tenure, including retiring senior players. Despite being one of those players, Ashwin claimed Agarkar was an excellent chairman of selectors.
Aakash Chopra responded to Ashwin’s remarks, describing the gesture as a demonstration of genuine character and praising the former off-spinner for his humility.
Why did Aakash Chopra defend Agarkar’s performance as Chief Selector?
Aakash Chopra said that Agarkar had received a great deal of criticism throughout his tenure as chief selector, with many individuals making critical remarks about both Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Chopra pointed out that Agarkar is contractually obliged and cannot openly explain every decision he has made, hence many of the facts behind his picks remain unknown.
Aakash Chopra also addressed the circumstances of Ashwin’s retirement directly. Ashwin withdrew from Test cricket in December 2024 during the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia, having been dropped from the playing XI following the pink-ball Test in Adelaide and declaring his retirement after the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.
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What happens after Agarkar leaves as chief selector?
Ajit Agarkar became India’s head selector on July 4, 2023. During his reign, India won both the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also retired from Test cricket shortly after Ashwin’s retirement in December 2024, signalling the end of a huge generational shift in Indian cricket.
