India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are not on good terms, and their strained relationship has now become clear at a time when they are preparing for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7 at home and in Sri Lanka.
Gautam Gambhir–Ajit Agarkar rift surfaces ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Amidst the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand, it is being said that the tension is brewing between Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar. As reported by a Jagran News journalist, there is nothing going well between the Indian coach and the chief selector.
Their partnership began to fall apart during India’s recent Test series against South Africa at home. Things turned sour during the second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati, where captain Shubman Gill was unavailable for selection due to a neck injury.
Selection clash during South Africa Test triggered fallout
Because of Gill’s injury, Gambhir and the Indian cricket team management wanted Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, or Karun Nair in the squad for the Guwahati Test to balance the side.
However, Agarkar rejected Gambhir’s suggestions, insisting that Nitish Kumar Reddy was already in the squad, so there was no need for an additional replacement, and asked him to play the young all-rounder.
This decision reflected that Gambhir has only limited power over the selections and started worsening his equation with the selectors. Reports suggest that the selectors have now been taking most of the major decisions on their own these days, leaving Gambhir frustrated and disappointed.
🚨EVERYTHING IS NOT GOOD BETWEEN CHIEF SELECTOR & HEAD COACH 🚨 (Ray Sportz Cricket YT, Ankan Kar/Abhishek Tripathi).
– Shubman Gill is Unavailable for the 2nd Test match at Guwahati vs South Africa.
– Gautam Gambhir & the team management had suggested the name of 3 players,… pic.twitter.com/0LxelQjQjR— MANU. (@IMManu_18) January 24, 2026
Gambhir sends a clear message on selection power
Well, the Indian head coach has already been kept away from media interactions and press conferences due to some of his past controversial and straightforward statements.
So, when he finally got the chance after the Nagpur T20I against New Zealand, Gambhir sent a loud and clear message. The coach clarified that he does not have unlimited power in team selections.
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Recently, Gambhir posted on X (formerly twitter): “When the dust settles, truth & logic about a coach’s supposedly ‘unlimited authority’ will become clear. Till then I’m amused at being pitted against my own, who are the very best!”
Thanks a lot Dr @ShashiTharoor! When the dust settles, truth & logic about a coach’s supposedly “unlimited authority” will become clear. Till then I’m amused at being pitted against my own who are the very best! https://t.co/SDNzLt73v5
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) January 21, 2026
Abhishek Sharma opens up on Gautam Gambhir’s role in his explosive batting
Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma has opened up about the fearless style that has taken him to the top of the ICC T20 rankings. The Indian opener revealed that his attacking approach in the powerplay is inspired by the trend set by former captain Rohit Sharma.
The explosive opener shared that Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav have backed him to play without fear and go hard from the very first over. That confidence has helped him stick to an aggressive mindset every time he walks out to bat.
Abhishek was quoted as saying by JioHotstar, “Rohit bhai has done a lot for the country. There is always pressure because of the starts he used to give in the power play. When I came into the team, the coach and captain wanted the same from me. I felt it suited my style too because I love to attack from the first few balls. I have been following in Rohit bhai’s footsteps, and I am really happy to play in this manner and do well for India.”
