Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Gambhir Thanks Departing Selector Agarkar for Team-First Leadership
Ajit Agarkar is leaving his job as India's chief cricket selector.
Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, thanked him in a message on X. Gambhir said Agarkar always put the team first.
India won several major tournaments while Agarkar led the selection committee.
There were also difficult moments during his time in the role.
Some players were left out of white-ball teams, and questions arose about the futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Pragyan Ojha is temporarily taking over the selection role.
The BCCI is looking for someone to fill the position permanently.
Ajit Agarkar chose not to renew his contract as chairman of India's men's selection committee.
Pragyan Ojha is temporarily filling the vacant role, and the BCCI has invited applications for a replacement.
Gautam Gambhir praised Agarkar on X, crediting his conviction and team-first approach.
During Agarkar's tenure, India won four multi-team tournaments, including three ICC trophies, according to Gambhir's message.
Agarkar's tenure also drew scrutiny over player selections and uncertainty surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
- Who
- Ajit Agarkar, departing chairman of India's men's selection committee, and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
- What
- Agarkar will not renew his contract, and Gambhir posted a message thanking him for his work.
- When
- Agarkar was appointed in July 2023; the article does not give a date for his departure announcement.
- Where
- India; Gambhir's message was posted on X.
- Why
- Agarkar decided against renewing his contract. The article also describes scrutiny of selections and uncertainty involving senior players during his tenure.
Praise for Agarkar
Criticism and concerns
Assessment of his tenure
Praise for Agarkar
Gambhir praised Agarkar's conviction and team-first approach, and pointed to India's tournament successes during his tenure.
Criticism and concerns
The article notes difficult periods, including two home series whitewashes, as well as controversy over selections and uncertainty around senior players.
Player selection
Praise for Agarkar
The article describes Agarkar's committee as overseeing selections across formats and major tournaments during a period of significant success.
Criticism and concerns
It says Mohammed Shami was among players phased out of white-ball squads after the Champions Trophy, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar did not get an opportunity during Agarkar's tenure.
- Agarkar's appointment
- He became chief selector in July 2023.
- Interim replacement
- Pragyan Ojha is temporarily filling the selection committee seat.
- Permanent replacement
- The BCCI has invited applications for the vacant seat.
- Major tournament wins cited
- India won the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and Asia Cup titles in 2023 and 2025.
- Gambhir's message
- He called working with Agarkar an honour and praised his team-first conviction.
- Selection concerns mentioned
- The article discusses Mohammed Shami's absence from later white-ball squads, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's lack of opportunities during Agarkar's tenure, and uncertainty over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.