Ajit Agarkar Earns Perfect 10 for Bold and Balanced BCCI Selection Ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup

When Ajit Agarkar took over as BCCI chief selector in 2023, few could have predicted the sheer intensity of scrutiny that would follow. A cricketer remembered for his calmness under pressure, Agarkar stepped into a role where every decision would be dissected, debated, and politicized—often in real time.

Since assuming charge, Agarkar has been forced to take a series of tough calls. Some of them were welcomed, others fiercely resisted. What stood out, however, was not the criticism itself, but the selection committee’s willingness to reassess and course-correct—an attribute rarely associated with Indian Cricket administration.

Earlier this year, Agarkar and the BCCI strongly backed certain players, only to later withdraw that support. The most publicized episode involved Mohammed Shami, whose prolonged absence from the national setup reportedly led to a heated exchange with the chief selector. Around the same time, Agarkar was accused of favoritism for continuing to persist with Shubman Gill.

Critics alleged that Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir were attempting to push Gill as an all-format cornerstone. The scrutiny intensified as Gill, despite being appointed T20I vice-captain, failed to deliver consistent performances in a format India had largely dominated after lifting the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Given that backdrop, Gill’s inclusion in the 2026 T20 World Cup squad appeared inevitable. Instead, the selectors delivered a shock that reshaped the narrative entirely. Axar Patel was named vice-captain, Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan were recalled, and Gill’s name was conspicuously absent—an outcome dramatic enough to rival an Indian soap opera.

By the time Agarkar explained the rationale behind Gill’s exclusion, much of the cricketing community had already applauded the decision. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh was among those who openly backed the selectors.

“I rate the management and chief selector Ajit Agarkar ten out of ten,” Harbhajan said. “Dropping Shubman Gill was not easy, but his T20 career is far from over. The team combination mattered most. Bringing back Rinku Singh and recalling Ishan Kishan makes complete sense.”

Harbhajan further explained that with Gill out, India required a destructive top-order batter who could also keep wickets. “They didn’t pick Jitesh Sharma because they already have enough players for No. 7 or 8. Naming Axar Patel as vice-captain is also an excellent decision. Overall, they’ve done a brilliant job,” he added.

Correction of the Course

Course correction appears to have been central to Agarkar’s thinking. Once Gautam Gambhir took over, India adopted a clear T20 template—fearless intent, attacking openers, and totals frequently crossing the 220-run mark.

With Sanju Samson promoted to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, India consistently produced explosive starts. However, once Gill re-entered the T20 setup, that blueprint began to blur. Despite firepower from Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, and Abhishek, the batting often slipped back into conservative patterns reminiscent of 2022.

At times, it felt like Abhishek’s brilliance was the sole driving force at the top. The imbalance became evident.

A turning point arrived when Gill missed the Ahmedabad T20I due to injury. Samson and Abhishek responded with a blistering 63-run opening stand in just six overs, propelling India to a massive 231. For the selectors, the evidence was hard to ignore.

This marked a clear shift in direction. After Gill’s inclusion, Samson had been pushed down the order—an adjustment that diluted India’s early aggression. As Sunil Gavaskar pointed out, “Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma had formed a very good opening pair—a left-right combination looking to attack from ball one and give India flying starts.”

Crediting Domestic Excellence

One of the most persistent criticisms of Indian selection policy has been the perceived neglect of domestic performers. Agarkar faced similar backlash in the Test arena, particularly over the omissions of Shami and Abhimanyu Easwaran.

However, with former players RP Singh and Pragyan Ojha now part of the selection setup, there appears to be a renewed emphasis on domestic cricket. The clearest example of this shift is Ishan Kishan.

Dropped from the national side in 2023, the 27-year-old returned to domestic cricket with Jharkhand and let his bat do the talking. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Kishan amassed 547 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate close to 200, including a century in the final.

The timing surprised many—the SMAT final was played on December 18, and the World Cup squad was announced just two days later. But the message was unmistakable.

Gavaskar believes Kishan’s recall sends a powerful signal. “He has already played for India, which is a big advantage. His form in domestic cricket proves selection should be based on performance, not just the IPL. I’m thrilled for him—leading Jharkhand to a title after being out of the team for years is remarkable,” Gavaskar said.

“I’m Sorry, My Bad” — Owning the Error

Gill’s omission also represents something rare in Indian cricket—an admission of error. Historically, selectors have been reluctant to reverse decisions mid-cycle. This time, team balance outweighed individual potential.

Gill remains indispensable in Tests and ODIs, but T20 cricket demands relentless firepower—something that hasn’t consistently materialized at the international level. His leadership success in England Tests may have influenced earlier optimism, but the selectors ultimately acknowledged the mismatch.

The outcome is a more balanced, purpose-built squad. While T20 cricket remains inherently unpredictable and Suryakumar Yadav’s form continues to be a concern, Agarkar and the BCCI have given India a genuine chance to defend their title on home soil.

In a system often criticized for rigidity, Ajit Agarkar has shown courage, accountability, and clarity. For once, India’s selectors have not just picked a team—they have sent a message. And for that, the much-criticized chief selector earns his perfect score.