India vs West Indies in Ranchi brings back Ajit Agarkar – but his role has changed completely

As part of the broadcast, Agarkar assessed the conditions of the game (Image credit: Agencies) NEW DELHI: Ajit Agarkar will not be at the selection table when India take on West Indies in the second T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex on Friday. But the former Indian pacer has an interesting connection with Ranchi and the venue.The last time Ranchi hosted a T20I, Agarkar was also there – not as the BCCI selection committee chairman, but as a pitch expert.In 2023, when India played New Zealand in a T20I at the same venue, Agarkar made a pitch report before the match.During the broadcast, Agarkar evaluated the conditions of the game and drew attention to the dimensions of the terrain, the grass cover and the possible impact of dew.“The average score in the first innings is 156. The square boundaries are just over 60 and the straight boundaries are just over 70, in the corner around the players’ pavilion it’s only 57 and 59 meters. The pitch looks great, there’s even coverage of the grass and the new ball could do with some help. There’s a lot of talk about the dew, the curator has kept the grass as low a factor as possible to get the grass as dewy as possible. but it looks great on the nice batting,” estimates 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 tenure comes to an end

The BCCI on Tuesday invited applications to fill the vacancy on the men’s selection committee following Agarkar’s departure. Agarkar’s term ended on 4 October. The former India pacer informed the board after the annual general meeting on September 18 that he would not seek an extension.Pragyan Ojha is currently the interim chairman of selectors, the other members of the panel are Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra and RP Singh.“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 application deadline is October 14.

BCCI thanks Agarkar

Agarkar leaves the post after a successful period for Indian cricket. During his tenure, India won the T20 World Cup in 2024 and 2026 and the Champions Trophy in 2025. The team also won two Asia Cup titles and Asian Games gold medals, reaching the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. His tenure also marked the beginning of a major transition in Indian cricket, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from T20Is and Tests.

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Share an opinionThe BCCI thanked Agarkar for his contribution and highlighted major achievements during his tenure as chairman.“A period marked by some truly exceptional moments for Indian cricket – three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals, along with reaching the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup,” the BCCI said on its official X account.“Thank you Mr. Ajit Agarkar for your commitment, conviction and contribution as the Chairman of the Men’s Selection Committee. We wish you all the best on your journey ahead,” the board added.