![Ajit Agarkar is set to be rewarded by BCCI [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776570900086_ajitagarkarviratkohlibcci.jpg?type=hq)
Ajit Agarkar is set to be rewarded by BCCI [Source: AFP]
In a significant development, it has been understood that the BCCI has decided to reward Ajit Agarkar following a series of bold decisions that he has taken as the chief selector. Ajit Agarkar was appointed as the BCCI chief selector back in July, 2023.
His tenure collided with India's transition phase, especially in the Test format, which saw the ouster of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Although the Test team's performance has received massive scrutiny, Agarkar's strategic decision-making has helped India reap rewards in white-ball cricket.
Therefore, as the Men in Blue gear up for the 2027 World Cup, the BCCI has decided to reward Agarkar and extend his contract.
How did Ajit Agarkar handle India's transition phase?
Agarkar, one of the most successful bowlers for India in ODIs, assumed office as the BCCI chief selector on July 4, 2023.
He replaced Chetan Sharma and performed the role during several marquee ICC events- 2023 World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Interestingly, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were in the twilight of their careers when Agarkar entered the picture.
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Although the talismanic duo was still a vital cog in the Indian white-ball setup, their diminishing Test prowess prompted the BCCI chief selector to take some tough calls.
Considering Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are the two biggest superstars in Indian cricket and have a huge fan following, asking them to step aside from the Test format required a blunt, honest conversation. Agarkar did that job brilliantly, setting the tone for a seamless transition.
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli bid adieu to Test cricket in May 2025, with the BCCI selection committee eventually appointing Shubman Gill as the new Test captain.
BCCI to extend Ajit Agarkar's contract as chief selector
Ajit Agarkar's contract as the BCCI chief selector is supposed to conclude in June 2026. However, as revealed by Express Sports, the BCCI bosses are impressed with his bold decision-making as the chairman of the selection committee.
Therefore, as the report suggests, Agarkar's contract is set to be extended by one year, and he'll continue to serve as the chief selector till June 2027.
“Under Agarkar’s tenure, the team had a seamless transition and was fearless in taking bold decisions. The board felt he should continue. The BCCI officer bearers will be speaking to him on the sidelines of IPL games to update him,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by Express Sports.
Ajit Agarkar's masterstrokes which worked wonders for India in T20Is
Apart from smoothing the transition phase, Ajit Agarkar also took several bold decisions that paid rich dividends for India's white-ball team.
Although Hardik Pandya was the frontrunner to become India's T20I captain after Rohit Sharma's retirement, it was Agarkar who proposed Suryakumar Yadav's name for the leadership role.
As a result, the Indian team enjoyed stellar success, clinching the T20 World Cup trophy, with Suryakumar leading them to their third title in the format.
Additionally, Ajit Agarkar was the one who wanted Ishan Kishan back in the setup for the T20 World Cup 2026. Ishan emerged as one of the go-to batters for India in the tournament, scoring 317 runs at an average of 35.22 and a blistering strike rate of 193.29.
Thus, Agarkar proved his mettle as the chief selector, making brave decisions at crucial junctures, earning the BCCI's trust and a well-deserved contract extension till June 2027.
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