(1).jpg?type=hq)
Ajit Agarkar (Source: @AhmedGT_,x.com)
In a recent development, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who has been under intense criticism in recent days, was seen watching Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 match between Jharkhand and Karnataka on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
It is vital to note that Agarkar has been at the centre of a storm after South Africa defeated India in the recently concluded Test series. This was India’s second consecutive Test whitewash under head coach Gautam Gambhir and Agarkar as chairman of selectors. India had also lost a home Test series to New Zealand last year.
Ajit Agarkar criticised for lack of domestic presence
One of the most prominent criticisms directed at Ajit Agarkar is his lack of presence in domestic matches. However, he has publicly insisted that Indian players participate in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and VHT.
Critics argue that the chairman’s absence from the domestic circuit has created a disconnect between selectors and emerging players, raising questions about the quality of scouting and player performance analysis. Recently, the controversy deepened when a BCCI official reportedly stated that Agarkar "follows the matches on apps".
Agarkar makes on-ground appearance at SMAT fixtures
However, it can be said that to counter this criticism, Ajit Agarkar was recently seen at the stadium on Friday (November 28, 2025). Reports (by cricbuzz) indicate that he has been stationed in Ahmedabad on domestic duty since November 26, monitoring teams from Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Saurashtra, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Tripura.
Other selectors have been appointed to various duties. Pragyan Ojha is set to travel with the Indian team for the upcoming ODIs in South Africa starting November 30, while SS Das (Kolkata), RP Singh (Lucknow), and Ajay Ratra (Hyderabad) are overseeing SMAT matches in different cities.
Along with selectors, Former India coach and long-time Mumbai Indians scout John Wright was also seen at the stadium watching SMAT matches closely.
