History will be kinder to you: Gambhir sends emotional message to Ajit Agarkar

India coach Gautam Gambhir sent a heartfelt message to the outgoing Ajit Agarkar as the former pacer left his role as the chief selector of the Indian men's cricket team. Agarkar's tenure came to end on October 4.Gambhir paid a touching tribute to Agarkar (Courtesy: PTI)Indian cricket team coach Gautam Gambhir paid a touching tribute to outgoing BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar after his tenure officially came to a close. The BCCI has formally set the ball rolling to appoint a new member to its Men's Selection Committee, inviting applications for the vacant position following Ajit Agarkar's exit.The governing body released the application notice on Tuesday, just 48 hours after Agarkar's term as chairman came to an end on October 4. Agarkar had been at the helm of the senior men's selection panel since taking charge in July 2023, but reports had indicated that he was not interested in seeking an extension.While the BCCI are yet to release an official statement specifically addressing Agarkar's departure, it has now opened the recruitment process for a vacancy in its five-member men's selection panel. Gambhir became the coach of the Indian team during Agarkar's tenure and both men have worked hand-in-hand to deliver the Champions Trophy 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026.Taking to X, the Indian coach said that it was an absolute honour to work with him. Gambhir tipped his hat to Agarkar for keeping the Indian team ahead and took a jibe at his critics that history will remember him in a kind manner. "Dear Ajit Bhai, an absolute honour to work with you. Those 3 ICC trophies are testimony of your conviction: Team first & Team ahead, always.. I must say, History will be kinder to you. Thank you for everything. My heartfelt wishes for your future endeavours !!" said Gambhir on X. (Credit: Gautam Gambhir X) AGARKAR'S TIME AS CHIEF SELECTORAgarkar took charge of India's senior men's selection panel on July 4, 2023, and remained in the chairman's role for just over three years before his tenure ended in October 2026. His stint coincided with a highly successful period for Indian cricket, with the team lifting three ICC trophies, the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, Agarkar has also gotten stick from fans, who have assumed that he has played a role in putting a cloud over the futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The former BCCI selector was slammed on social media as many felt he pushed Kohli and Rohit out of Test cricket. - Ends