Ajit Agarkar

The BCCI medical team is clearing players for the Afghanistan Test, with a full-strength batting lineup expected. However, workload management will likely see changes in the bowling department, potentially giving opportunities to new faces. The No. 3 batting position remains a concern ahead of upcoming tours.

At a time when Indian cricket is scaling new heights on the global stage, vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, shares insights into the system driving this sustained success. In a conversation with Fazal Khan, Shukla speaks about the depth of India’s talent pool, the role of structured domestic platforms, and the impact of leagues like the IPL.

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has urged selectors to fast-track 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the national team, comparing him to a young Sachin Tendulkar. Rival skipper Shreyas Iyer also called him 'one for the future.' Sooryavanshi has impressed with 246 runs at a strike rate of 236.53 in IPL 2026.

Sourav Ganguly has advocated for Mohammed Shami's return to the Indian national team, suggesting he should partner Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball. Ganguly praised Shami's recent IPL performances, particularly his economical spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and highlighted his strong domestic form, believing the pacer remains fit and capable of performing at the highest level.

India's cricket board is rebuilding its Test team. A new plan focuses on young players for the future. A four-day competition will feature 64 players under 25. This aims to create a strong pipeline of red-ball cricketers. Coaches and selectors will prioritize Test development. Emerging and India A teams will tour Sri Lanka for four-day games.

"I don’t know what’s going on in their minds. They look committed to playing the World Cup, but I think that decision lies with them and the selectors, who will have to decide the future. My point is that they are such great players, there has to be clarity," Yuvraj said.

Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has stated retirement is not on his mind, emphasising he will only step away when he feels bored, not due to age, selection, or injuries. Despite being out of the national setup for over a year, Shami remains focused on his performance and enjoying the game, aiming to deliver for his new team, Lucknow Super Giants.

With Ajit Agarkar seeking extension on his tenure as chief selector until the 2027 ODI World Cup, the BCCI is considering his request following India's recent ICC title wins. Discussions are ongoing regarding his future and potential successors. The board faces a decision as India prepares for upcoming tournaments and potential player transitions.

India's selectors are closely watching the IPL to identify new talent and track consistency, moving beyond just top teams. Franchise scouting networks are now crucial, mirroring domestic cricket's shift. Focus remains on ODI core development and assessing players like Mayank Yadav and Rishabh Pant, while monitoring Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness.

Gautam Gambhir dedicated India's T20 World Cup triumph to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, acknowledging their foundational roles. India's dominant win over New Zealand marked their third T20 World Cup title and first successful title defence on home soil. Gambhir also lauded captain Suryakumar Yadav and selector Ajit Agarkar for their contributions to the historic victory.

Despite clear long-term ambitions from coaching and selection staff, uncertainty looms over the ODI futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While both superstars are performing well, the Indian cricket board needs to initiate direct dialogue regarding their inclusion in the 2027 World Cup plans. This lack of clarity, in the current scenario, hurts the dressing room more than it helps promote competitiveness.

Actress Kritika Kamra and cricket host Gaurav Kapur have officially tied the knot in an intimate registrar wedding ceremony at their Mumbai residence. The private affair was attended by close family and friends, with an after-party featuring former cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Ajit Agarkar. An unseen clip from the lively celebration was recently shared by actor Angad Bedi.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged potential missteps in his interactions with senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While not directly addressing retirement speculations, Gambhir stated that mistakes are human and his decisions were always made with good intentions. Despite some criticism, his tenure has seen significant trophy wins for India.

Actress Kritika Kamra and television host Gaurav Kapur are celebrating their wedding in Mumbai with a private ceremony. Close friends and family, including celebrities like Farhan Akhtar, Zaheer Khan, and Sagarika Ghatke, were seen arriving to bless the couple. The intimate celebrations are a departure from a grand affair, focusing on close connections.

India's T20 triumph in 2024 validates Gambhir and Agarkar's tough selection calls, prioritizing team ethos over individual stardom. With the 2028 LA Olympics and T20 World Cup on the horizon, the duo faces the challenge of maintaining this philosophy, especially as they shift focus to the upcoming ODI World Cup. Their commitment to principles will be tested.

India pacer Mohammed Shami achieved a significant milestone by surpassing former fast bowler Ajit Agarkar to become the second Indian bowler with the highest number of wickets against Australia in one-day international cricket.

Arjun Tendulkar married Saaniya Chandhok on Thursday, March 5, with a star-studded guest list including cricketers and Bollywood celebrities. The grand wedding saw appearances from Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan with his family, and legendary singer Asha Bhosle. The pre-wedding sangeet also featured a notable mix of sports and entertainment personalities.

Shubman Gill's appointment as India's ODI captain for the upcoming Australia series fuels speculation about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future. Former England pacer Steve Harmison believes chief selector Ajit Agarkar's stance on domestic cricket participation could lead to a "messy end" for the veterans, particularly highlighting Kohli's crucial role.

Young pace sensation Mayank Yadav, becoming only the third Indian seamer after Ajit Agarkar and Arshdeep Singh, bowled a maiden in his debut T20I over against Bangladesh. Mayank's impressive performance continued as he dismissed Mahmudullah an over later for his first international wicket, showcasing his pace and precision, following his attention-grabbing stint in the 2024 IPL.

Ajit Agarkar has been retained as Mumbai's captain for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy All India Knock-Out tournament to be played from March 23-27.