The future of Ajit Agarkar as the chairman of the BCCI’s senior men’s selection committee is reportedly uncertain, with a media report claiming that the board is considering appointing former India batter VVS Laxman as his successor.

According to the report, Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector was originally scheduled to conclude in June 2026. However, he received a three-month extension from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While another extension until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup was reportedly expected, recent developments surrounding Rohit Sharma’s ODI future have complicated the situation.

Rohit Sharma’s ODI future reportedly became a key issue

The report states that discussions over Rohit Sharma’s place in India’s ODI setup have emerged as a major factor in the ongoing developments.

It claims that ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against England, there were indications that the series could mark Rohit’s final appearance in the format. The report further alleges that the Agarkar-led selection committee had discussed with the Gautam Gambhir-led team management the possibility of leaving the veteran batter out of future ODI assignments.

However, the situation reportedly changed after speculation emerged that the third ODI at Lord’s would be Rohit’s last match. Rohit responded with a century in that game, a performance that, according to the report, put both the selectors and team management in a difficult position.

BCCI secretary issues clarification on Rohit’s future

Following the speculation, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia publicly dismissed suggestions that the Lord’s ODI would be Rohit’s final appearance in the format.

“Rohit is a regular member of the Indian ODI team, and he will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. In other words, the Lord’s ODI won’t be his last match,” Saikia told PTI.

The report also claims that some individuals involved in managing the Indian team do not favour Rohit’s participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup, though no official announcement has been made by the BCCI on the matter.

Review meeting yet to take place

According to the report, the BCCI had planned a review meeting after India’s tour of England following the team’s eight defeats in ten matches across the Ireland and England tours.

However, the meeting has reportedly not taken place. The Indian team has since travelled to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series without the scheduled review being held.

As of now, the BCCI has not officially announced any decision regarding Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector or any appointment of VVS Laxman as his replacement.

Senior DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin launched a sharp attack on the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government shortly after being released following police questioning over his remarks on actor Trisha Krishnan.

Welcomed by supporters outside the police station in Thanjavur on Tuesday evening, Stalin described his detention as a “comedy” staged by a “circus government” and referred to Chief Minister Vijay as a “dummy Chief Minister”.

He alleged that the action against him was intended to shift public attention away from what he described as the government’s failure to address the Cauvery water issue affecting farmers.

Udhayanidhi Stalin links arrest to Cauvery water issue

Addressing supporters after his release, Udhayanidhi Stalin claimed he had been treated “like a terrorist” despite raising concerns related to farmers, the Mekedatu dam project and the Cauvery river dispute.

He said that during the previous DMK government, water from the Mettur dam was released annually on June 12 for farmers, but alleged that the current TVK government had failed to secure water despite five months in office.

According to Stalin, his criticism was focused on governance and the state’s handling of water-related issues rather than personal attacks.

DMK leader denies insulting women over Trisha remarks

Responding to the controversy surrounding his speech, Udhayanidhi Stalin maintained that his remarks had been taken out of context.

He alleged that portions of his speech had been selectively edited to create a misleading impression. Rejecting allegations that he had used inappropriate language or double meanings, he said his comments were solely about the need for water for farmers.

Stalin also stressed that he had no intention of disrespecting women and said he regarded every mother and sister in Tamil Nadu as members of his own family. He expressed disappointment that some political allies criticised him without watching his complete speech.

Says he is ready to face legal action

In a post on X, the DMK leader asserted that he would not be intimidated by police cases or political pressure.

Referring to his political background, he said he was prepared to fight the matter through legal means and would continue raising the Cauvery issue on behalf of farmers. He also thanked DMK workers and alliance leaders who protested against his detention and demanded the release of those held during demonstrations.

TVK dismisses Udhayanidhi Stalin’s allegations

TVK leader Adhava Arjuna rejected Stalin’s accusations, saying the government was not driven by political revenge.

He argued that the ruling party did not view Udhayanidhi Stalin as a political rival and challenged him to resign as an MLA and contest a fresh election without relying on his family’s political legacy. Arjuna claimed that TVK would field an ordinary woman candidate and asserted that Stalin would struggle to retain public support if such an election were held.

How the controversy began

The controversy stems from Udhayanidhi Stalin’s speech in Thanjavur on the Cauvery water dispute with Karnataka, during which members of the audience repeatedly chanted actor Trisha Krishnan’s name.

The TVK alleged that Stalin’s response carried an inappropriate double meaning and accused him of lowering the standards of political discourse while disrespecting women.

Stalin has consistently denied the allegation, maintaining that his remarks were misrepresented through edited clips. He reiterated that he never intended to offend anyone, particularly women, and said his upbringing and family values would never allow such conduct.

Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, best known for his performances in Ghajini, Lagaan and the television epic Mahabharat, died on Tuesday evening while undergoing treatment for cancer. He was 74.

Rawat breathed his last at around 6 pm. He had initially been admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai before being shifted to a cancer hospital in Bhiwandi around 10 days ago for further treatment. He is survived by his wife and son, Vikramaditya.

Yashpal Sharma pays tribute

Actor Yashpal Sharma paid tribute to Pradeep Rawat through a post on his Instagram handle following the veteran actor’s demise.

Career spanning more than three decades

Pradeep Rawat built a successful acting career across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam cinema over more than three decades.

He gained widespread recognition for portraying the ruthless antagonist in the 2005 Tamil film Ghajini. The performance earned him the opportunity to reprise the same role alongside Aamir Khan in the Hindi remake released in 2008.

Before Ghajini, Rawat had shared screen space with Aamir Khan in the 2001 film Lagaan.

Many television viewers also remember him for portraying Ashwatthama, the son of Dronacharya, in BR Chopra’s iconic television series Mahabharat. Although he made his film debut with Meri Jung in 1985, the television role brought him widespread recognition.

Memorable performances across languages

Throughout his career, Rawat appeared in several notable films, including Sarfarosh, The Hero: Love Story of a Spy, Stalin, Veeram, 1: Nenokkadine, Loukyam, Nenu Sailaja, Sarrainodu, Nene Raju Nene Mantri, Aayirathil Iruvar, Market Raja MBBS and Miss Match.

A significant milestone came with SS Rajamouli’s Sye (2004), which marked his debut in Telugu cinema.