How Ajit Agarkar’s tenure transformed Indian careers: The stars who rose, fell and found redemption under his watch
How Ajit Agarkar’s Tenure Reshaped India Careers
Indiadailyupdate.com – How Ajit Agarkar s tenure transformed Indian careers is evident in the changing fortunes of several established and emerging players. Since becoming chief selector in July 2023, Agarkar has overseen a period in which India finished runners-up at the 2023 ODI World Cup, won the T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026, and lifted the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Team trophies tell only part of the story. Selection decisions also determined who became a regular, who retained institutional backing and who gradually fell out of India’s plans. For players such as Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, the period brought very different outcomes.
Mohammed Shami’s steep fall after major tournament success
Shami’s changing status is among the most striking examples of how Ajit Agarkar s tenure affected individual careers. He was a central figure in India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, taking 24 wickets in seven matches at an average of 10.70 after missing the first four games. He finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
He continued to make an impact at the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he claimed nine wickets in five matches and was named in the ICC Team of the Tournament. Yet the final of that competition in March 2025 remains his most recent appearance for India.
The lack of selection came despite an impressive 2025-26 domestic season. Across the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, Shami collected 69 wickets in 22 matches, including 37 Ranji Trophy wickets at 16.72. His central contract also changed from Grade A in 2024-25 to no contract in 2025-26.
Yuzvendra Chahal loses his route back
Chahal began the period as an active T20I option. He played all five matches in India’s August 2023 T20I series in the West Indies and took five wickets. At that point, he had 96 wickets in 80 T20Is and 121 wickets in 72 ODIs.
However, the fifth T20I of that West Indies tour on August 13, 2023 remains Chahal’s latest international match. He missed the 2023 ODI World Cup squad, made the 2024 T20 World Cup squad without playing a match, and then dropped out of contention again.
Agarkar had explained Chahal’s Asia Cup omission by pointing to Axar Patel’s batting value and Kuldeep Yadav’s position as the preferred wrist-spinner. The decision reflected India’s demand for greater balance, a trend that narrowed the specialist leg-spinner’s opportunities.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s opportunities become limited
Gaikwad’s case was less about poor form than a reduction in openings. Across T20Is in 2023 and 2024, he scored 498 runs at an average of 62.25 and a strike rate of 150.
His 223 runs against Australia late in 2023 made him the leading run-scorer in that series, while his subsequent performances against Zimbabwe strengthened his record. Even so, his last T20I came on July 13, 2024.
He has retained a Grade C central contract and returned to the ODI squad, leaving room for a revival. That contrast captures how Ajit Agarkar s tenure has been defined not only by permanent exits, but also by players whose roles have changed as India’s requirements evolved.
FAQ: India Selection Changes Under Ajit Agarkar
Why did Mohammed Shami fall out of India’s team?
Shami has not played for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy final despite strong domestic returns. His central contract was also not retained for 2025-26.
When did Yuzvendra Chahal last play for India?
Chahal’s most recent international appearance was the fifth T20I against West Indies on August 13, 2023.
Is Ruturaj Gaikwad still in India’s plans?
Gaikwad remains centrally contracted at Grade C and has returned to the ODI squad, though his T20I opportunities have been limited since July 2024.