Parthiv Patel Frontrunner for Chief Selector Role as Ajit Agarkar’s Extension Remains Uncertain

Former Indian wicket-keeper batter Parthiv Patel has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Ajit Agarkar as the chairman of the senior men’s selection committee if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Agarkar do not reach an agreement on the extension of the latter’s contract. Reports suggest that Parthiv’s name has been circulating within the Indian cricket administrative circle over the last six months as the potential candidate to take up the job.

 

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Parthiv Patel could be Team India’s next chief selector

While an extension for Agarkar was initially considered, a growing consensus within the board has pointed towards Parthiv Patel as a prudent successor. If appointed, the former wicketkeeper would become the most senior member of the selection panel based on Test appearances, having represented India in 25 Test matches. By comparison, current panel member Shiv Sunder Das played 23 Tests, RP Singh made 14 appearances, Pragyan Ojha featured in 24 Tests, and Ajay Ratra appeared in six.

Agarkar recently chaired the selection meeting to finalize India’s squads for the home white-ball series against the West Indies and the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup. Sources suggest this could potentially mark his final assignment as chief selector.

The official stance from the board was clarified following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mumbai, where BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla stated:

“AGM authorises office-bearers to take a decision on selectors.”

Agarkar’s tenure likely to end in less than 15 days

Speculation regarding Agarkar’s future intensified after he missed a high-profile review meeting attended by top BCCI officials, head coach Gautam Gambhir, Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, and Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has been authorized to take a call on Ajit’s future as the chairman of selectors. Saikia, after the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting (AGM), stated,

“We still have 15 days to go. Fifteen days is a long time in the world of cricket. We have time. We will make a decision, and, at the appropriate time, we will let you know.”

He added,

“We know on which date he is retiring. His tenure is going to be over. There is still 15 days’ time left. So we will make a decision during this 15-day period.” Agarkar’s current contract is understood to be ending on October 4.”

The Shubman Gill & Parthiv Patel connection

If appointed, Parthiv Patel could be working closely with the Indian ODI and Test skipper Shubman Gill. The two men share a good bond as Parthiv Patel serves as the assistant coach of the Gujarat Titans franchise in the IPL, which is led by Shubman Gill. Both Parthiv and Shubman know each other pretty well, and there could be a smooth communication flow between the two individuals.

Should Parthiv take up the national selector role, he would need to relinquish his IPL coaching commitments to fulfill BCCI requirements. Stay tuned for more developments on the same.