![Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1777105612931_agarkabcciselectorrajivshukla.jpg?type=hq)
Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir [Source: AFP]
With the IPL 2026 going on, all the limelight is being hogged by the T20 extravaganza. However, the BCCI is also taking the necessary steps for Indian Cricket's progression in the backroom. One such step is the national selectors working aggressively throughout the IPL 2026.
The Indian Cricket is in a middle of muddle despite winning three back-to-back ICC white-ball trophies. The Men in Blue are struggling in Test cricket, which is regarded as the finest, yet toughest format, under Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir's tenure.
Although India's head coach's tenure started July 2024, the chief selector Agarkar is holding his chair since July 2023 and is due to expire in September this year. Under Agarkar, India have won three trophies since the heartbreak of 2023 ODI World Cup final. On all these grounds, the former seamer is likely to get his contract renewed.
Ajit Agarkar's renewal as Cheif Selector uncertain
However, Ajit Agarkar's continuation as the Chairman of the Senior Men’s Selection Committee is not certain.
While commenting on the same, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has raised doubts about the future of the current Chief Selector. The board's dignitary revealed that they will make the decision on Ajit Agarkar's future when the time comes.
“Such decisions rest with the BCCI management. These are collective calls taken at the appropriate time, keeping the larger interests of Indian cricket in mind. When the time comes, the board will take a considered view," Rajeev Shukla was quoted as saying to TOI.
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Along side Agarkar, tenures of Shiv Sundar Das (East Zone) and Ajat Ratra (North Zone) have been serving as selectors from January 2023 and September 2024, respectively. However, the remaining two - RP Singh and Pragyan Ojha - were roped recently in September 2025.
Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir's bold calls for India's future
With Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir at reins, two of Indian Cricket's superstars - Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma - exit from the Test format. After their departure, Shubman Gill was named the Test captain, but his since it has been a topsy-turfy ride in the longest format. After drawing in England, Gill's boys thrashed minnows West Indies at home but lost to New Zealand.
Meanwhile, the Agarkar-Gambhir duo has also decided to look past Rohit Sharma, the captain, in ODIs, looking to carve Shubman Gill ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027.
What voids do India have in ODIs?
Talking about the World Cup 2027, the BCCI has decided to stick with the same core of players for the upcoming ICC megaevent, which is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Although the batter order is fixed, there are a couple of loose ends open at the number six and backup opener and wicketkeeper. Meanwhile, India, which has moved on from Mohammed Shami, are still looking for his replacement in the 50-over format. Thus, a pool of fast bowlers will be tested during the busy T20I season following the IPL 2026.
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