‘We’ve had real disagreements’: Ajit Agarkar reveals heated exchanges with Rahul Dravid during selection meeting

‘We’ve had real disagreements’: Ajit Agarkar reveals heated exchanges with Rahul Dravid during selection meeting (Photo- PTI)

Selection sessions behind closed doors can get heated, according to BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, who acknowledged having "real disagreements" with former India head coach Rahul Dravid over squad composition. Agarkar provided a unique insight into the inner workings of India's selection process while talking to NDTV, highlighting the importance of conflicts in selecting the nation's best team.

“I mean, Rahul Dravid was coach before this — he’s a dear friend — and we've had some, I won’t call it bust-ups, but we’ve had some real disagreements with regards to what he wants,” Agarkar said. “But that’s because we are trying to do what’s in the interest of the team.”

Agarkar emphasised that the selection process is a team effort that includes in-depth discussions with the captain, head coach, and the full selection panel. Since there are five selectors, disagreements are normal but encouraged as a necessary component of a sound decision-making process.

“Eventually, once you reach that selection meeting, most of us are on the same page,” he said. “We've had lots of discussions leading up to that and lots of disagreements, which is important. There are five people who will have different thoughts — hopefully not five completely different thoughts — but the fact that we have those disagreements means we have more than one option for a particular spot.”

According to him, the majority of the team frequently chooses itself, with roughly 12 to 14 players locked in, and discussions are usually centered around one or two spots. Agarkar stated unequivocally that the team's best interests are taken into consideration while making decisions, even in the face of disagreements.

“Eventually, it's our decision to make. Whether it was with Rahul before or Gautam [Gambhir] now, and even with captains — Rohit before this and Shubman now — we discuss things. Our job is to try and give the best possible 15 so that the captain and coach can have their life made a little bit easier. And if you don't involve them in the discussion, it'll be foolish,” he noted.

After the squad is chosen, Agarkar added, communication continues. Discussions with key stakeholders continue even during ongoing tours, like the one currently underway in Australia.

“Even now when the team’s playing in Australia, I’ll have discussions with Gautam Gambhir or Shubman Gill. There’s a South Africa series immediately to follow. So you’re always constantly trying to see how best you can improve the team.”

Agarkar emphasised the ongoing preparation that goes into squad rotation, workload management, and long-term strategy in light of the many formats in play and upcoming competitions like the T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

“There’s a T20 World Cup coming. Six to eight months or a year before that, you start planning for it. Then there’s a 50-over World Cup coming, and there’s a WTC cycle which keeps going. So you have different plans for each.”

Agarkar stated that internal talks are still polite, professional, and goal-driven in spite of the pressure and regular public scrutiny around squad selections.

“Fortunately, we are in a position where we have lots of options. It makes our life a little bit easier, maybe not for fans who want the other player that we don’t pick, but at the moment, we are happy with the way it’s working.”