The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly ready to extend Ajit Agarkar’s contract by one year, keeping him as the chief selector till June 2027. According to a report in the Indian Express, the board wants stability in leadership and selection strategy ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
Agarkar took over the reins in mid-2023 after Chetan Sharma was out amid controversy. The former fast bowler restored confidence in the selection system under constant scrutiny. India reached four ICC finals – the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups, and the 2025 Champions Trophy – winning three titles and losing one.
Ajit Agarkar managed a complex transition after several senior players stepped away from international cricket. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup win. After a prolonged period of poor performance in the red-ball format, both of them also retired from Test cricket before the England tour.
A Board of Control for Cricket in India official expressed satisfaction with the approach during the transition. The official said the board will inform Agarkar about his extension during the ongoing Indian Premier League.
“Agarkar’s tenure has seen a seamless transition in the team and he was fearless in taking bold decisions. The board felt he should stay on. BCCI officials will speak to him on the sidelines of IPL games to update him,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
Ajit Agarkar era saw India dominate white ball amid Test challenges
Under the leadership of Ajit Agarkar, India ended their ICC title drought by winning the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups and the 2025 Champions Trophy. They also reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final on home soil. India have won the 2025 T20 Asia Cup as well as each of the last three white-ball ICC tournaments.
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin were ruled out of Tests and T20Is. Agarkar appointed Shubman Gill as Test and ODI captain and Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain.
However, results in Test cricket have been mixed, including a home defeat to South Africa and a 3–0 loss to New Zealand. The ODI World Cup is to be held in South Africa in October-November next year.
Ajit Agarkar Bold call from selection committee before 2026 T20 World Cup
The selection committee took many bold decisions and adopted a flexible, result-driven approach. Ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, he dropped vice-captain Shubman Gill and recalled Ishan Kishan. The wicketkeeper has earned his place with strong domestic performances and has full support from the panel.
Ajit Agarkar also made major leadership changes across all formats. He appointed Shubman Gill as Test and ODI captain. In T20, he supported Suryakumar Yadav in place of Hardik Pandya, citing Pandya’s fitness related concerns.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami’s absence since the 2025 Champions Trophy win has raised questions. Despite fitness concerns, he has performed well in domestic cricket and is in good form for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2026.
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