The spotlight is firmly on India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar as he oversees domestic matches in Ahmedabad during the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).
His presence comes at a time when the selection committee faces growing criticism following India’s 0–2 Test series defeat against South Africa.
Selectors Under Pressure
Agarkar, often accused of prioritizing international fixtures over domestic cricket, has been stationed at the Narendra Modi Stadium since November 26.
The move is seen as an attempt to reconnect with the domestic circuit and address concerns that selectors have been out of touch with red-ball cricket. Other panel members — Pragyan Ojha, SS Das, RP Singh, and Ajay Ratra — are also on SMAT duty across different venues.
Debates Over Player Choices
The committee’s recent decisions have sparked debate. The inclusion of Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Reddy drew attention, while omissions of Sarfaraz Khan,
Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Karun Nair continue to raise questions. Critics argue that selections based on white-ball performances have weakened India’s Test squad.
Quotes and Reactions
“Selection remains a collective call of the five-member committee, but Agarkar has attracted the bulk of criticism due to his frequent presence at overseas tours,” noted a Cricbuzz report.
The scrutiny intensified after India’s Test defeat, with calls to re-evaluate the balance between specialists and all-rounders.
Franchise Scouts Add to the Buzz
Ahmedabad has also become a hub for IPL scouts ahead of the December 16 auction. Former India coach John Wright, credited with spotting Jasprit Bumrah, was seen monitoring talent alongside Varun Aaron, Parthiv Patel, and Kiran More.
Their presence underscores the dual importance of SMAT — both for national selection and franchise recruitment.
Future Implications
The selectors’ current focus on domestic cricket could influence upcoming squad announcements.
Discussions are already underway about whether senior players who stepped away from red-ball cricket might be asked to reconsider. While no formal move has been made, speculation continues to swirl around potential comebacks.
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