The Indian cricket team is currently preparing for the massive T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, March 8. While the players are focused on winning the trophy on the field, a major change is about to happen off the field regarding the selection committee.
Chairman Ajit Agarkar is reportedly on his way out of the position. According to the latest reports, former Indian wicketkeeper and current Gujarat Titans (GT) coach Parthiv Patel is the frontrunner to replace Agarkar as the new chief selector. Many fans believe this change could be a boost to Team India.
Ajit Agarkar Unlikely to Get Extension for Chief Selector Role
During a Times of India Live broadcast, Sahil Malhotra spoke about Ajit Agarkar’s future and stated, “Personally, if you ask me, I don’t see the extension happening.”
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The reporter confirmed that the replacement is coming from the West Zone and looks set to be the frontrunner for the chairman position.
When asked who the person from the West Zone is, the reporter hinted that he is a left-handed batter but not a pace bowler. Another panelist in the video reacted to this news in Gujarati, saying “Aapno chokro che,” which translates to “He is our boy.”
In all possibilities, Parthiv Patel is the front runner to replace Ajit Agarkar as Chief Selector for Indian cricket team.
It shall be a great boost to team India.
Hopefully better time awaits!
Reported by Sahil Malhotra in today’s TOI Live.
Om sai ram🙏🏻🧿 pic.twitter.com/SDqamgu4RJ— Akansha Goel (@akansha93239) March 7, 2026
Ajit Agarkar’s Tenure as Team India Chief Selector
Agarkar took over the top job in mid-2023, and the circumstances were very difficult. He came in after the exit of Chetan Sharma, who was caught making loose comments during a TV sting operation.
Agarkar inherited a massive responsibility to rebuild trust in a selection process that is constantly under the public glare. Over the past three years under Agarkar’s selection, the Indian team has played four major ICC finals.
They reached the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup. India have won two finals and lost one so far, with a chance for a third victory on Sunday against New Zealand.
Ajit Agarkar Made Several Bold Decisions as Chief Selector
Ajit Agarkar’s time as the chief selector will be remembered for making some very difficult and bold calls. He faced criticism when he backed Suryakumar Yadav as the long-term T20I captain over Hardik Pandya.
The former Indian fast bowler removed Rohit Sharma as the ODI captain, replacing him with young batter Shubman Gill ahead of the Australia tour last year.
Agarkar did not attempt to hide from the media throughout his tenure. Agarkar and his selection panel, which currently includes Pragyan Ojha, RP Singh, SS Das, and Ajay Ratra, have done a commendable job in building a strong team with great depth.
Following the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Indian cricketers will represent their respective franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The Men in Blue will play their next assignment against Afghanistan in a one-off Test and three ODI matches.
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