Gautam Gambhir pays tribute as Ajit Agarkar leaves role as BCCI chief selector

Gautam Gambhir posted an emotional message on social media for Ajit Agarkar after Agarkar’s tenure as BCCI chief selector ended, the development in Indian cricket reported on October 7, 2026.

Ajit Agarkar had taken charge as chairman of the senior men’s selection committee in July 2023 and leaves after a three-year spell in which the selection panel managed several key decisions involving India’s senior players and team leadership. During his time as chief selector, India reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final and won the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Gautam Gambhir posted the following on social media: “Dear Ajit Bhai, an absolute honour to work with you. Those 3 ICC trophies are a testimony of your conviction: Team first & Team ahead, always. I must say, History will be kinder to you. Thank you for everything. My heartfelt wishes for your future endeavours !!”

The former India head coach singled out the three ICC titles won while Agarkar served as chief selector and praised Agarkar’s stated principle of prioritising the team. The two men worked together during what the report describes as an important period for Indian cricket.

Gambhir’s message was posted shortly after Agarkar officially left the post, according to the report. The article adds that the Board of Control for Cricket in India is now set to begin the process of finding his replacement.

The BCCI’s initiation of a replacement search is the immediate administrative step following Agarkar’s departure from the senior men’s selection committee.