BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has played down speculation over Rohit Sharma’s future, saying the former India captain has been performing “superbly” and there is no reason to question his place in the team.
Rohit, who now plays only ODI cricket for India, recently produced a match-winning performance against England, scoring 138 runs. Saikia questioned why there was continued speculation over the veteran batter’s future despite his strong performances.
“He is playing superbly in all matches. So what more do you want? In the last match (against England) he scored 138 runs, so why there is a speculation? So I do not want to give some fodder for the speculators,” Saikia told reporters after the conclusion of the BCCI’s review meeting.
No discussion on Ajit Agarkar’s contract extension
Saikia also clarified that there was no discussion about extending chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s contract during the meeting.
Agarkar was not present at the review meeting, which was attended by Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer, head coach Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman, director of cricket at the Centre of Excellence (CoE).
Explaining Agarkar’s absence, Saikia said the chief selector was out of station and could not join the meeting, which was called at short notice.
“Today he (Agarkar) was out of station, he could not be a part of the meeting because this meeting was called at a very short notice. Our head of the selection committee, Ajit, was not in town so he could not join it. He was in such area that he could not join online also in spite of our best efforts,” Saikia said.
When asked if Agarkar’s contract extension was discussed, Saikia replied, “There was no such discussion in today’s meeting.”
Saikia dismisses Laxman appointment rumours
Saikia also dismissed reports and speculation surrounding VVS Laxman’s appointment as the BCCI’s director of cricket.
“I do not comment on new rumours, we did not have any such kind of discussion, neither we have such intention,” he said.
