- India,
- 19-Oct-2026 05:36 PM IST
In a major overhaul of the Indian men's cricket team selection panel, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has officially appointed former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha as the new chairman and chief selector of the committee. Ojha has been entrusted with this significant responsibility based on his extensive experience of playing the highest number of Test matches among the available candidates, and he will succeed Ajit Agarkar in this crucial position. Along with this major appointment, the board has also inducted former cricketer Ramesh Powar as a new member of the selection committee, generating widespread discussions across the Indian cricket fraternity.
Selection Process and the Role of CAC
The entire process of selecting the new member for the selection committee was meticulously conducted by the esteemed members of the BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee, namely Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjpe. Both veterans thoroughly scrutinized all the applications received from across the country at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai and subsequently conducted detailed interviews with the shortlisted candidates. Following rigorous evaluations and mutual consensus, the name of Ramesh Powar was finalized and chosen for this prominent role, placing significant responsibility on him regarding future team selections.
Ramesh Powar's Cricket and Coaching Career
Discussing the cricketing career and achievements of Ramesh Powar, he represented India in 2 Test matches and 31 One Day Internationals during his international playing career. After bidding farewell to active playing, he ventured into the world of coaching and served in several high-profile and prestigious positions. His coaching portfolio includes serving as the head coach of the Indian women's cricket team, the Mumbai and Gujarat domestic teams, alongside shouldering the responsibility of bowling coach at the BCCI Center of Excellence. During his tenure with the Indian women's team, the squad clinched the Asia Cup title and also secured a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games under his guidance.
Pragyan Ojha to Lead the New Selection Panel
The command of the newly constituted selection committee for the Indian men's cricket team will now rest firmly in the hands of Pragyan Ojha. Under his chairmanship, the committee features Shiv Sunder Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra, and the newly inducted Ramesh Powar as its esteemed members. The primary and core objective of this entire selection committee is to scout and select the finest and most talented players for the national side while formulating the most appropriate and balanced team combination suited to match conditions. Moving forward, Ojha's committee bears the monumental responsibility of making fair, transparent, and accurate decisions keeping player performances and team requirements in prime focus.
BCCI Applauds Ajit Agarkar's Tenure and Contributions
Amidst these significant administrative changes, the BCCI has poured rich praises on outgoing chief selector Ajit Agarkar for his exceptional work and invaluable contributions. The board extended its heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and profound commitment to Indian cricket throughout his tenure. Ajit Agarkar was appointed as the chief selector of the men's team in July 2023, and during his successful stint, the Indian cricket team achieved phenomenal and historic milestones. This golden era witnessed India clinching three ICC trophies, two Asia Cups, and consecutive gold medals at the Asian Games, accomplishments that will remain etched in the annals of Indian cricket history.
🚨 Announcement 🚨 Mr Ramesh Powar @imrameshpowar appointed to Men’s Selection Committee. Based on seniority (most Tests), Mr Pragyan Ojha @pragyanojha will chair the Committee. BCCI appreciates Mr Ajit Agarkar @imAagarkar for his commitment, conviction and contribution during his tenure as Chairman of the Committee. Details ▶️ https://t.co/z0jcyPWkr0 #TeamIndia
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 19, 2026
