Gautam Gambhir Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Ajit Agarkar After BCCI Selector's Exit: 'History Will Be Kinder to You'

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has paid a warm tribute to Ajit Agarkar following the end of the former India pacer's tenure as chairman of the BCCI senior men's selection committee.

Gambhir took to X on October 7, a day after Agarkar's tenure formally ended, to acknowledge the contribution of the former India cricketer. Addressing him as "Ajit Bhai", Gambhir described his experience of working alongside Agarkar as an honour and credited the selection chief's conviction for India's recent success.

"Those 3 ICC trophies are testimony of your conviction: Team first & Team ahead, always," Gambhir wrote on the social media handle.

"I must say, History will be kinder to you. Thank you for everything. My heartfelt wishes for your future endeavours," he added.

Gambhir's message was accompanied by a photograph of the two standing together in India team colours during a practice session, underlining the professional relationship they developed during their time together.

Agarkar became chairman of the selection committee in July 2023 and remained in the position for more than three years. He informed the BCCI ahead of its annual general meeting that he did not intend to continue beyond the end of his term on October 4.
His tenure coincided with one of the most successful periods in recent Indian cricket. India won the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup, while also lifting the 2025 Asia Cup.

Gambhir, who took over as India head coach after the 2024 T20 World Cup, had previously praised Agarkar after India's successful defence of the T20 World Cup title in March 2026. He had highlighted the criticism faced by the chief selector while stressing his honesty and commitment to the team.

With Agarkar's departure, the BCCI selection committee is entering a transition phase. The board has invited applications for the vacant West Zone position, with the deadline set for October 14. Pragyan Ojha is currently handling the role on an interim basis.