A day after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) invited applications for his successor, Ajit Agarkar was publicly thanked for his three-year stint as chairman of the men’s selection committee, with head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledging the former India fast bowler’s contribution to a period of considerable success.

“Dear Ajit Bhai, an absolute honour to work with you,” Gambhir wrote on X on Tuesday morning. “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.”

The BCCI followed it up in the evening with a tribute to Agarkar, highlighting the trophies won during his tenure, including three ICC titles and two Asia Cup triumphs, as well as back-to-back Asian Games gold medals and India’s run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

“Thank you, Mr Ajit Agarkar, for your commitment, conviction and contribution as Chairman of the Men’s Selection Committee,” the board said.

Agarkar took over as chairman in July 2023 and was handed a renewed contract before his tenure expired on October 4. The BCCI’s farewell messages came a day after it formally opened the process for appointing his replacement.

His tenure encompassed some significant selection calls, as India transitioned across formats while collecting major silverware. The three ICC trophies referenced by Gambhir include the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Agarkar’s departure leaves a four-member selection committee, with Pragyan Ojha currently chairing it on an interim basis.