BCCI backing of Rohit Sharma curbed selector independence

The BCCI's public statement supporting Rohit Sharma's ODI future effectively removed Ajit Agarkar's authority to drop senior players, according to a senior board official cited by PTI. Agarkar had agreed with the team management to move on from Rohit after the Lord's ODI, but the board reversed the decision and issued a media release without informing the selection committee.

Agarkar also clashed with VVS Laxman over India A scheduling and injury management. Key India A matches overlapped with domestic tournaments, and the Centre of Excellence did not provide recovery timelines for centrally contracted players. An injury list was later leaked to the media.

Agarkar did not attend a review meeting in Mumbai after the England series. The BCCI said the meeting was called at short notice while he was away, but several officials viewed the absence as the final break.