Ajit Agarkar Calls Chief Selector Role “Biggest Challenge” of His Cricketing Journey
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India’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, has described his current role as the “biggest challenge” of his cricketing career, admitting that the pressures of shaping national squads far surpass the demands he faced as a player or commentator.
Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025 on Saturday, Agarkar reflected on his three roles in cricket — as a player, commentator, and selector — saying, “Playing gives you the most satisfaction. Every time you step on the field, you know your job is on the line, your place is on the line. As a selector, once you pick a squad of 15, there is nothing else in your hand. That’s when it becomes truly challenging.”
The 47-year-old former pacer, who took 349 international wickets, explained that selection involves managing immense responsibility. “A decision that you make can impact a player’s career in a good or a bad way. You can’t please everyone. So, you try and do the best job you can as a selector,” Agarkar said, highlighting the intense scrutiny that comes with the position.
Agarkar, who assumed the role of chief selector on July 4, 2023, acknowledged that while having a deep pool of talent is a positive, it also adds pressure. “Having so many players to pick from is a good problem to have. It improves competition levels, and the performance standards stay high. The sport is so popular in India that there will be people critical of your decisions,” he noted.
The former India all-rounder also shared insights on his commentary career, noting that while it requires hard work, it lacks the high-stakes responsibility of playing or selection. “As long as you get the right words out, your job as a commentator is done,” he said.
When asked about social media trends like #JusticeForShreyasIyer, Agarkar was candid. “I don’t. It is a no-win situation. We watch a lot of cricket through the course of the year,” he explained, emphasizing that his focus remains on performance and merit-based selections.
Agarkar’s comments shed light on the enormous responsibility shouldered by selectors in cricket-obsessed India, where every squad announcement is scrutinized by fans, former players, and analysts alike. He stressed that despite the pressures, the role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Indian cricket and maintain high performance standards in the national team.
Final Thoughts by TheTrendingPeople.com
Ajit Agarkar’s candid remarks highlight the high-stakes nature of cricket selection in India, a role that balances talent management, career-shaping decisions, and national expectations. His insights provide fans a rare look into the complexities behind squad selection and the responsibility of maintaining India’s cricketing excellence.