A Golden Era of White-Ball Dominance
The most glittering aspect of Agarkar's legacy is undoubtedly India's unprecedented success in white-ball cricket. During his time as chief selector, the team secured three ICC trophies, a feat that ended a long and frustrating wait for Indian fans. This
golden run included back-to-back T20 World Cup victories in 2024 and 2026, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. The 2024 T20 World Cup win was particularly special as India remained undefeated throughout the tournament, culminating in a victory over South Africa in the final. The selectors were lauded for building versatile squads capable of adapting to different conditions and pressures, which was key to this sustained dominance.
Ending the ICC Trophy Drought
When Agarkar took charge, the national team was under immense pressure to win a major ICC event, a feat they hadn't achieved in years. The selection committee made its intentions clear by focusing on squad balance and role clarity. This approach paid off handsomely with the triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Following this, India went on to win the 2025 Champions Trophy, defeating New Zealand in the final for the first time at that stage of an ICC tournament. The selection panel's faith in a core group of players, blended with strategic inclusion of new talent, was instrumental in building a winning mentality.
Dominance at the Asian Level
India's authority was not just limited to global tournaments. Under Agarkar's watch, the team also asserted its supremacy in Asia, winning two Asia Cup titles. The first came in the ODI format in 2023, followed by another victory in the T20 format in 2025. Furthermore, the committee was responsible for selecting the squads for the Asian Games, where India secured back-to-back gold medals in men's T20 cricket in 2023 and 2026. This demonstrated the depth of talent in Indian cricket, as often second-string teams were sent for these tournaments, and they still delivered top results.
The Agonising Near Miss: 2023 ODI World Cup
While his tenure was filled with silverware, it also included one of the most heartbreaking moments in recent Indian cricket history. The squad selected for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, held at home, was arguably one of the most dominant in the tournament's history. The team stormed into the final with an unbeaten record, playing a brand of cricket that captivated the nation. However, they fell at the final hurdle, losing to Australia in Ahmedabad. Despite the loss, the run to the final was a significant achievement and a testament to a well-picked, in-form squad that performed exceptionally under immense pressure.
Navigating a Generational Transition
Beyond the victories, Agarkar's committee was tasked with managing a crucial transition phase in Indian cricket. This period saw the Test and T20I retirements of modern-day legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The selectors had to make difficult calls, planning for the future while still respecting the contributions of senior players. Decisions like appointing Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain, who then led India to the 2026 T20 World Cup title, and eventually handing the Test captaincy to Shubman Gill, were pivotal moments that showcased a forward-thinking approach aimed at building the next generation of leaders.
