New Delhi, 07 October (H.S.): Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir on Wednesday heaped praise on outgoing national selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, saying that his “team-first” approach and conviction played a crucial role in India’s three ICC title triumphs during his tenure and that “history will be kinder to you.”

Agarkar’s tenure as chairman of the national selection committee ended last month. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) invited applications on Tuesday to fill the position. Speculation over whether Agarkar would be granted an extension had continued for several weeks before the BCCI opened the selection process.

Sharing an emotional message for Agarkar on social media, Gambhir wrote, “Dear Ajit bhai, it has been an absolute honour working with you. Those three ICC trophies are a testament to your belief: always putting the team first and keeping the team above everything else. I must say, history will be kinder to you. Thank you for everything. My heartfelt best wishes for all your future endeavours.”

During Agarkar’s tenure, India won the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups and the 2025 Champions Trophy. His tenure also coincided with a significant transition in the Indian team, with batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from T20I and Test cricket, respectively.

Agarkar was often regarded as a selector willing to take difficult decisions. He also maintained a cautious stance when asked whether Kohli and Rohit remained part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar