India U-19’s multi-day series gets underway amid junior selection panel transition

In the selectors’ absence, the players’ performances are being monitored by the coaching staff, which comprises BCCI Centre of Excellence coaches familiar with their development. | Photo Credit: SHAYAN ACHARYA

India under-19 continued its strong run against Australia in the multi-day format after sweeping the Youth ODI series 3-0. But no national selectors are in attendance.

The absence comes as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) transitions to a new junior selection panel. The tenure of the incumbent committee formally ended on September 17.

The outgoing panel, headed by S. Sharath, continued for another week to complete pending work, including its final selection meeting earlier this week, when it picked the India U-23 squad for the C.K. Nayudu Trophy. It has also zeroed in on a provisional squad for the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held later this year.

The selectors have not attended the India-Australia series, with no formal intimation from the BCCI on their attendance during the transition.

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BCCI officials confirmed to Sportstar that the Board is in the final stages of shortlisting candidates for the new five-member junior selection committee, which is expected to ‘take charge in the first week of October’.

The appointment will need to be completed before the Vinoo Mankad Trophy begins on October 8, the next major tournament on the junior calendar.

Unlike the national selection committee, the junior selectors can be appointed directly by BCCI office-bearers; there is no provision for a Cricket Advisory Committee to interview candidates.

The incumbent panel took charge in September 2021 under Sharath, who later moved to the senior selection panel and was replaced by Thilak Naidu. Sharath returned to the junior panel last year. The other members were Ranadeb Bose, Pathik Patel, Harvinder Sodhi and Krishnan Mohan.

Former India international Ramesh Powar is being considered for the chairman’s role, while Ashish Winston Zaidi and Devendra Bundela are also in contention for other roles, according to sources. The Board, however, is yet to formally name the panel.

In the selectors’ absence, the players’ performances are being monitored by the coaching staff, which comprises BCCI Centre of Excellence coaches familiar with their development.

Published on Sep 27, 2026

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