Gambhir pays tribute to Agarkar as selection chief's tenure ends: history will be kind to you

Ajit Agarkar's tenure as chairman of the Indian senior team's selection committee ended on October 4. India head coach Gautam Gambhir has now written an emotional post for Agarkar on social media.

Agarkar held the role of India's chief selector for three years. India won three ICC trophies during his tenure. There had been reports that the BCCI could extend his contract till the 2027 ODI World Cup. Later, however, talk began that something had gone wrong between the BCCI and Agarkar. A decision was then taken not to extend his contract.

In his post on X, Gambhir spoke of his experience of working with Agarkar. He also credited Agarkar for India's three ICC trophy wins. Gambhir wrote, "Dear Ajit bhai, it was a great honour to work with you. The three ICC trophies bear witness to your belief: team first and team above all, always. I must say that history will be kind to you. Thank you for everything. Heartfelt best wishes for your journey ahead." The post is dated October 7, 2026.

The BCCI appointed Ajit Agarkar as India's chief selector in July 2023. India then won the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games and also the Asia Cup that year. During Agarkar's tenure, India won the T20 World Cups of 2024 and 2026. The team also won the Champions Trophy in 2025.

India's record during Agarkar's tenure was as follows: gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games, win in the 2023 Asia Cup, runners-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup, win in the 2024 T20 World Cup, win in the 2025 Champions Trophy, win in the 2025 Asia Cup, win in the 2026 T20 World Cup and gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games.

However, controversies had also arisen during Agarkar's tenure over team selection and some decisions. His tenure has ended after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20 internationals. The BCCI has now begun the process of choosing a new selector.