![Mithun Manhas reviews Ajit Agarkar [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792592797268_Mithun_Manhas.jpg?type=hq)
Mithun Manhas reviews Ajit Agarkar [Source: AFP]
Ajit Agarkar recently stepped down as chairman of the BCCI men’s selection committee. The former Indian all-rounder served the national side under the distinguished role for over three years.
During his tenure, Team India won the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups, the 2025 Champions Trophy, the 2025 Asia Cup, and also reached the final of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India. Team India’s Test game, however, seemingly took a severe beating during the same period.
With Agarkar’s reign coming to an end, BCCI President and former cricketer Mithun Manhas recently assessed his tenure as chief selector.
BCCI President assesses Ajit Agarkar’s controversial tenure
Even though Ajit Agarkar’s three-year tenure as BCCI chief selector is widely considered to be a controversial one by several Indian cricket fans and experts, BCCI President Mithun Minhas is of the opinion that the former all-rounder did a “fantastic job” during his time at the selection committee.
Manhas hailed Agarkar for overseeing the Indian squad that won the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as well as the 2025 Asia Cup. The BCCI President also praised the former cricketer for forming a committee that maintained a good rapport with the coaches.
While speaking exclusively with Sportstar, Mithun Manhas said “As far as Ajit’s tenure is concerned, I think he has done a fantastic job, overseeing the two World Cup (2024, 2026) victories and the Asia Cup (2025) triumph. It was his decision to move on. All in all, not just Ajit but all the selectors have done a fantastic job. They have shared a good rapport with the coaches as well. That is how the system should operate.”
It is worth noting that Agarkar’s tenure is also considered to be controversial one for benching several senior Team India players, like Mohammed Shami. Many fans already blame him for the sudden Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Just a few weeks ago, Ajit Agarkar stepped down as chief selector, and the BCCI has since named Pragyan Ojha as his replacement for the time being.
Mithun Manhas signifies role of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in Gill’s captaincy
Mithun Manhas also backed Shubman Gill to lead Team India until the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa next year. The BCCI President believes that the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah will assist Gill in India’s road towards the multi-nation event.
Acknowledging Shubman Gill’s captaincy experience for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Manhas said “Shubman has been the captain of Gujarat Titans for two or three years now, apart from leading India. I think that experience will come in handy when he begins his World Cup campaign.”
He added “Having Virat, Hardik (Pandya) and Rohit in the side will definitely help him. Then there are the likes of (Jasprit) Bumrah, who could take charge as the bowling captain.”
Team India, under Shubman Gill and new chief selector Pragyan Ojha, will now face New Zealand away from home later this month.
