New Delhi, Oct 17 (NationPress) Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector for India's cricket team, has described his current position as the “most significant challenge” of his career in cricket. He acknowledged that the weight of influencing players' careers and making crucial decisions is far greater than the pressures he faced during his playing and commentary years.

During the NDTV World Summit 2025 held on Saturday, Agarkar shared insights about his three different roles in cricket—player, commentator, and selector. While he found playing to be the most rewarding, he admitted that the selection process is the most taxing.

“Let’s start with the simpler role. Being a commentator, and I mean no offense, involves hard work, spending numerous hours on the field. As long as you articulate your thoughts effectively, your job is essentially accomplished and you can go home,” Agarkar remarked.

“Playing brings the utmost joy. Every time you step onto the field, you understand that your role is at stake. One advantage of being a player is that you have direct control over the ball or bat. The margin between victory and defeat is minimal; the stakes are high. Regularly, your performance dictates your future as a player,” he elaborated.

The former Indian fast bowler, who has claimed 349 international wickets, pointed out that the selector's role is particularly challenging due to the lack of control once a team is finalized.

“Once a squad of 15 is selected, the responsibility shifts entirely. This is a tough job, especially considering the depth of talent available at present. Many factors are beyond your control. It is a demanding, high-pressure role. It carries immense responsibility. As a former player, you are aware that your decisions shape careers. A choice you make can either positively or negatively affect a player's future. It’s impossible to satisfy everyone, so you strive to perform your best as a selector,” Agarkar stated.

At 47, having assumed the role of chief selector on July 4, 2023, he also recognized the intense scrutiny that accompanies his position, particularly in a cricket-crazy country like India.

“Having an abundance of players to choose from is a fortunate dilemma. It enhances competition and maintains high performance levels. Given the sport's immense popularity in India, there will always be critics of your decisions. Fan engagement has surged dramatically over recent years,” he noted.

When asked whether he follows social media discussions like #JusticeForShreyasIyer, Agarkar was straightforward: “I don’t. It’s a no-win scenario. We monitor a lot of cricket throughout the year.”