India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, rightfully received widespread praise for guiding the team with remarkable precision, particularly in white-ball cricket, as India achieved what no other side has managed before. The triumph at the T20 World Cup 2026 not only added another trophy to the cabinet but also rewrote history, signalling the dawn of a new era of dominance for Indian cricket.
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Yet, behind Gambhir’s success stood a man quietly shaping the team’s destiny. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar took several bold calls in the lead-up to the tournament, decisions that many selectors in the past might have hesitated to make. From controversial omissions to unexpected leadership choices, Agarkar repeatedly went against conventional thinking. While critics questioned his judgment at times, those within the selection panel recognised the clarity and conviction behind his decisions.
Bold calls by Ajit Agarkar that reshaped the squad
One of the most talked-about decisions was the exclusion of Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad despite being India’s T20I vice-captain. Instead, the selectors opted for Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh. According to a report by The Indian Express, the team management led by Gambhir was keen on including Gill, but Agarkar stood firm.
“Your opinion could differ from mine,” he reportedly told the management. “We still think he’s a quality player. Someone has to miss out, and it’s him, not because he isn’t good enough. Fortunately, Indian cricket has options.”
Another major call came when Rohit Sharma stepped away from T20Is and India needed a new captain. Many expected Hardik Pandya to take over the role, but Agarkar strongly backed Suryakumar Yadav. Initially, the rest of the selection committee, Subrata Banerjee, S Sharath, Salil Ankola and SS Das, were not fully convinced. However, Agarkar eventually won them over by explaining his reasoning.
“One of the main issues discussed was that you want a captain who is likely to play all the games,” Agarkar explained. “We think he is a deserving candidate.”
Agarkar’s pragmatic approach was also evident in Ishan Kishan’s return to the national side despite previous controversies surrounding his withdrawal from the South Africa tour, exclusion from central contracts and domestic cricket issues.
“He bats at the top in white-ball cricket. He has been in good form. He has played before for India,” Agarkar said. “He wasn’t in the team because Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel were ahead of him, two very good players. Nothing else.”
Beyond squad selections, Agarkar also pushed for structural changes, including reinstating press conferences after key selection meetings and encouraging players to return to domestic cricket. These measures signalled a shift towards greater transparency and accountability within the system.
Even Gambhir acknowledged the selector’s role in India’s success, dedicating the World Cup triumph to him.
“I think I should dedicate this trophy to Ajit Agarkar, because he does take a lot of flak, and I’m thankful for the honesty he has shown me,” Gambhir said.
With India continuing its rise in world cricket, the World Cup victory has made one thing increasingly clear: some of the toughest and most controversial decisions taken behind closed doors ultimately helped shape a championship team.
