Gautam Gambhir-Ajit Agarkar cut out by BCCI right before India vs Australia Tests for..

As the Indian cricket team gears up for a grueling five-match Test series in Australia, the spotlight is not just on the players but also on the strategic minds shaping Indian cricket’s future off the field, and they are none other than Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar.

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and national chief selector Ajit Agarkar are embarking on a mission that extends beyond the immediate task at hand during the high-stakes tour of Australia, as the duo has been given the task to chart a comprehensive roadmap for India’s white-ball and Test squads.

Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar to chart India's future during high-stakes Australia tour

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 comes at a time of mounting scrutiny following India’s embarrassing 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand at home.

As a result, the calls for a strategic transition have grown louder, with both Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar being under pressure to deliver a comprehensive plan that not only addresses the immediate concerns but also readies the backup and prepares the team for upcoming challenges.

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According to the Times of India, Ajit Agarkar is set to remain in Australia for the entire duration of the five-match Test series, and the reason behind this move is to foster greater alignment between the selection panel and the coaching staff.

They have to be on the same page about the process: BCCI

The extended stay provides both Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir with ample time to evaluate players’ performances, assess their career paths, synchronize their strategies for a seamless transition phase, map out long-term plans, and align their vision.

There were speculations that there is a lack of synchronization over some of the recent strategies and selections between Gambhir and Agarkar following their whitewash at the hands of New Zealand, and due to which, the BCCI wants to ensure they are on the same page on every matter.

A BCCI source was quoted as saying by Times of India: “Both Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir know that such poor performance in India will trigger widespread criticism, which is justified. Since it's a long tour, both can sit together and discuss how things can be taken forward after the tour. Both will need at least a year and a half to build a team with strong backup. That's where both have to be on the same page about the process.”

Gambhir and Agarkar to tackle future plans of India's senior stalwarts

Central to their discussions will be the role of India’s senior stalwarts—Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja. The discussions are likely to consider the next World Test Championship cycle and the 2026 ODI World Cup.

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With all four players approaching the twilight of their careers, Gambhir and Agarkar are expected to have candid conversations about their future roles, about the team’s vision, and about how their plans align with the team's roadmap.

The source added, “Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja are all in their late 30s. These senior players are still a very important part of the team. But one may expect some tough discussions as well. The seniors will be kept in the loop about the vision of the selectors and coach. They will be asked to share how they plan their careers going into the next World Test Championship cycle and the ODI World Cup being about two years away.”