India national cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are not on good terms and their strained relationship has now become evident at a time when they are preparing for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7 at home and in Sri Lanka.
Rift between Gautam Gambhir-Ajit Agarkar comes to light before ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Amidst the ongoing five-match T20 series against New Zealand, it is being said that there is tension between Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar. According to a report by a Jagran News journalist, nothing is going well between the Indian coach and the chief selector.
Their partnership began to fall apart during India’s recent Test series against South Africa at home. Things turned sour during the second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati, where captain Shubman Gill was unavailable for selection due to a neck injury.
Also read: Gautam Gambhir on target of ‘Haye Haye’ slogans after embarrassment in New Zealand ODI, fans claim Virat Kohli ‘loves every moment’
Controversy arose due to selection conflict during the South Africa Test.
Due to Gill’s injury, Gambhir and the Indian cricket team management wanted Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan or Karun Nair in the squad for the Guwahati Test to balance the team.
However, Agarkar rejected Gambhir’s suggestions, and insisted that Nitish Kumar Reddy was already in the team, so there was no need for additional replacements, and asked him to play the role of the young all-rounder.
This decision showed that Gambhir has only limited powers over selection and his equation with the selectors started deteriorating. Reports suggest that the selectors are now taking most of the major decisions themselves, leaving Gambhir frustrated and disappointed.
All is not well between the chief selector and the head coach (Ray Sportz Cricket YT, Ankan Kar/Abhishek Tripathi).
-Shubman Gill is unavailable for the 2nd Test match in Guwahati vs South Africa.
– Gautam Gambhir and team management had suggested the names of 3 players… pic.twitter.com/0LxelQjQjR– Manu. (@IMManu_18) 24 January 2026
Gambhir sent a clear message on the power of selection
Well, the Indian head coach has already been kept away from media interactions and press conferences due to some of his past controversial and direct statements.
So, when he finally got his chance after the Nagpur T20 match against New Zealand, Gambhir sent a loud and clear message. The coach clarified that he does not have unlimited power in team selection.
Also read: Allegations against Gautam Gambhir, former cricketer claims, Virat Kohli was ‘forced into Test retirement’
Recently, Gambhir had posted on
thank you very much dr @Shashithroor! When the dust settles, the truth and logic about Koch’s alleged “unlimited authority” will become clear. Until then I’m happy to stand against the best of my own! https://t.co/SDNzLt73v5
– Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) 21 January 2026
Abhishek Sharma opens up on Gautam Gambhir’s role in his explosive batting
Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma has revealed the fearless style that has taken him to the top of the ICC T20 rankings. The Indian opener revealed that his aggressive approach in the powerplay is inspired by the trend set by former captain Rohit Sharma.
The explosive opener shared that Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav have supported him to play without any fear and work hard from the first over. That confidence has helped him maintain an aggressive mindset every time he comes out to bat.
JioHotstar quoted Abhishek as saying, “Rohit bhai has done a lot for the country. There is always pressure because of the starts he gives in the power play. When I came into the team, this is what the coach and captain wanted from me. I felt it also suited my style because I like to attack from the first few balls. I am following Rohit bhai’s footsteps, and I am really happy to play this way and do well for India.”