Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), offered a candid perspective on his demanding role this Saturday. Having transitioned from a celebrated playing career and a stint as a cricket commentator, Agarkar now finds himself at the helm of India’s national team selections.
When asked to compare his various roles within cricket, Agarkar unequivocally stated that being a selector is the most challenging, while his days as a player brought the greatest satisfaction.
“I’ll start with the easier one. Being a commentator, and I say this with no disrespect, still requires hard work and long hours on the ground. But fundamentally, once you’ve articulated your thoughts correctly, your job is done, and you go home,” he explained at the NDTV World Summit 2025.
“Playing, on the other hand, offers unparalleled satisfaction. Every time you step onto the field, your career is on the line, your spot is on the line. The crucial difference is that as a player, the bat or ball is in your hands. The margin between victory and defeat is incredibly fine, and your performance directly dictates your path.”
He continued, “As a selector, once you’ve named a squad of 15, there’s literally nothing more you can do. This role is exceptionally challenging due to the incredible depth of cricketing talent we possess. Many outcomes are simply beyond your control. It’s a demanding, fast-paced, and high-pressure job.”
“It carries immense responsibility. Once you’ve been a player yourself, you understand that you are directly influencing careers. A single decision can profoundly impact a player’s journey, for better or worse. You simply cannot please everyone. Therefore, you strive to perform your role to the absolute best of your ability.”
Agarkar, who took over as the chairman of the BCCI selection committee on July 4, 2023, further elaborated on the pressures inherent in his current position.
“Having such a vast pool of talented players to choose from is a welcome challenge. It naturally elevates competition levels and keeps performance standards exceptionally high. However, cricket’s immense popularity in India means that there will always be a vocal public critical of your choices. Fanbases have multiplied significantly over recent years,” he added.
When confronted about paying attention to social media discussions and trends, such as #JusticeForShreyasIyer, Agarkar delivered a firm response: “I do not. It’s a no-win situation. We observe a tremendous amount of cricket throughout the year, and our decisions are based on that.”