‘History will be kinder to you’: Gautam Gambhir bids farewell to Ajit Agarkar

India coach Gautam Gambhir, right, with Ajit Agarkar (PTI Photo) India head coach Gautam Gambhir bid farewell to outgoing chief selector Ajit Agarkar, hailed his conviction and highlighted the three ICC trophies India won during his tenure.“Dear Ajit Bhai, It’s an absolute honor to work with you. These 3 ICC trophies are a testament to your belief: Team first and team first, always.. I must say history will be kinder to you. Thank you for everything. My heartiest wishes for your future endeavours,” Gambhir wrote on X.Agarkar’s tenure as the chairman of the senior selection committee officially came to an end on Tuesday, with the BCCI inviting applications to fill the vacant post.The former India pacer took charge in July 2023 and ended his tenure on October 4. After the annual general meeting on 18 September, he informed the BCCI that he would not seek an extension.During Agarkar’s tenure, India reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final before winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy and 2026 T20 World Cup.Gambhir, who worked closely with Agarkar during his tenure as India’s head coach, acknowledged the selector’s approach of putting the team ahead of individual considerations.

Ojha takes over the interim leadership

Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha is currently serving as the interim chairman of selectors and chaired the meeting that selected the Indian team for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.Ojha, who has played 24 Tests for India, could be appointed full-time chairman on the basis of seniority if the eventual BCCI pick plays fewer Tests.Parthiv Patel, whose name has come up as a possible addition to the selection panel, would have more seniority than Ojha as he has played 25 Tests for India.The BCCI has invited applications for one seat in the five-member senior selection committee. Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra and RP Singh are the other current members.