bcci-calls-urgent-meet-with-gambhir-agarkar-before-2nd-odi

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has convened an urgent meeting with India head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and senior board officials ahead of the second One-Day International against South Africa on Wednesday, amid ongoing concerns over team selection policy and long-term planning.

 

The development comes at a time when the futures of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been widely discussed, despite both returning to form with commanding performances over the past few matches.

 

According to reports, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, joint secretary Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, head coach Gambhir and national selection committee chairman Agarkar are expected to participate in the meeting. The report did not confirm the presence of newly-appointed BCCI president Mithun Manhas. As the meeting is scheduled on match day, the likelihood of senior players such as Kohli and Rohit being called in remains low.

 

A senior BCCI official was quoted in the report as saying that the meeting has been convened to ensure greater “selection consistency” while keeping long-term development and overall team performance in view.

 

Also read: Gill to resume batting as rehab begins in Bengaluru

 

The discussions are expected to revisit the shortcomings exposed during India’s recent home Test series defeat against South Africa. With both Gambhir and Agarkar present, the BCCI is looking to establish clarity on areas of concern and chart future steps for the side.

 

“During the home Test season, there have been instances of confusing tactics on and off the field. We want clarity and forward planning, especially with the next Test series eight months away,” the official said.

 

“India will be favourites to defend the T20 World Cup next year and strong contenders for the ODI World Cup after that, so we want these issues resolved quickly,” the official added.

 

The situation points to possible communication gaps between the team management and senior players, particularly Kohli and Rohit. Speculation over whether the board wanted Kohli to reconsider his Test retirement had intensified, but the batting stalwart ended the conversation following India’s win in the Ranchi ODI on Sunday.