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Selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar faced several challenging questions regarding team selection during a public appearance. Presenter Danish Sait put the former Indian fast bowler on the spot during a light-hearted conversation, which led to a conversation about the pressures involved in selection for national teams.
The conversation took place at the ESPNcricinfo awards ceremony in Mumbai on Saturday, May 30. The awards ceremony was held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a day before the much-awaited IPL 2026 final between defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT).
Ajit Agarkar spoke openly on the selection of India’s T20 World Cup winning team.
Ajit Agarkar replied cautiously when asked about his reaction to the selection of India’s T20 World Cup-winning team. The chief selector smiled and said comments about team selection can often be taken out of context.
Agarkar said, “I have to be careful what I say. Things can be taken out of context. Yes, it was good to relive that moment because I was there, and yes, it was good to pick that team.”
The Men in Blue had a successful campaign in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, won the trophy on home soil by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
“I’m still trying to find ways” – Ajit Agarkar on informing players about selection irregularities
Ajit Agarkar admitted that informing players about selection decisions is one of the most challenging parts of his role. The chairman of selectors said that, in a country with a huge pool of talented cricketers, it is an ongoing responsibility to break disappointing news to the players.
When Agarkar was asked how he informs players about his being dropped from the team, he replied, “I am still trying to find ways. It is an everyday process.”
India had lost only one match in the group stage during the T20 World Cup, against South Africa. The team recorded wins over the United States, Namibia, Pakistan, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, West Indies and England before defeating New Zealand in the final to secure another T20 World title.
Don’t put me on the spot – Ajit Agarkar avoids revealing selection secret
Ajit Agarkar avoided giving any details about the upcoming selection discussion when the presenter tried to get more information. The chief selector joked that he should not be put on the spot, pointing out that an important selection meeting was round the corner.
Agarkar said, “Don’t put me on the spot. This is not the night. The selection is going to happen in a few days.”
Many players justified the selectors’ decisions during India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign. Sanju Samson won the Player of the Tournament award after scoring 321 runs, which included a crucial inning of 89 off 46 balls in the final against New Zealand.
Jasprit Bumrah, who took 4 wickets for 15 runs in the final, was chosen as the player of the match. He finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 14 wickets. Abhishek Sharma registered the fastest half-century of the competition off 18 balls, while Ishan Kishan provided an explosive start at the top of the order with 317 runs.
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