Pragyan Ojha replaces Agarkar as selection panel chief; Ramesh joins committee

Pragyan Ojha replaces Ajit Agarkar as chairman (Agency Images)

Pragyan Ojha will take over as chairman of the BCCI’s Men’s Selection Committee following Ajit Agarkar’s exit, while former India spinner

Ramesh Powar

has been appointed as a new member of the five-member panel, marking a change in the composition of the team responsible for selecting India’s senior men’s side.The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, conducted interviews at the BCCI headquarters before unanimously recommending Powar’s appointment. Ojha will chair the committee based on seniority, determined by the number of Test matches played.The new selection committee comprises Pragyan Ojha (chairperson), Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra and Ramesh Powar.

Agarkar’s tenure ends after major ICC triumphs

Agarkar, who was appointed chairman in July 2023, completed his tenure on October 4, 2026, after deciding not to seek an extension. During his stint, India won the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups and the 2025 Champions Trophy, while also claiming two

Asia Cup

titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals.The BCCI acknowledged Agarkar’s commitment and contribution, crediting the selection committee with overseeing a successful period for Indian cricket.

Ojha joined panel in September 2025

Ojha was inducted into the Men’s Selection Committee at the BCCI’s 94th Annual General Meeting in September 2025, alongside former India pacer RP Singh. He now takes over the chairperson’s role after serving on the panel for just over a year.The former left-arm spinner represented India in 24 Tests, 18 ODIs and six T20Is.

His Test experience places him ahead of the other members of the current panel under the BCCI’s seniority criterion.Powar, meanwhile, brings both international playing experience and a substantial coaching background to the committee. He represented India in two Tests and 31 ODIs and has served as head coach of the India women’s team, Mumbai and Gujarat, besides working as bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.During his stint with the India women’s team, Powar guided the side to an Asia Cup title and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.