Pragyan Ojha named BCCI chief selector as Ramesh Powar joins panel

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has named former left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha as chairperson of the Men's Selection Committee, while former India spinner Ramesh Powar joins the five-member panel following Ajit Agarkar's exit.

Ojha's elevation to chief selector comes on the basis of seniority in Test cricket, having represented India in 24 Tests, 18 ODIs, and six T20Is, taking 113 Test wickets. He joined the selection panel in September 2025 during the BCCI's 94th Annual General Meeting and takes charge following Agarkar's decision not to seek an extension when his tenure concluded on October 4, 2026.

Powar was inducted following a screening and interview process conducted at BCCI headquarters by the Cricket Advisory Committee, comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape. The duo unanimously recommended Powar to fill the vacant spot on the national panel.

Complete BCCI Men's Selection Committee

Powar brings significant playing and coaching experience to the selection setup. Having played two Tests and 31 ODIs for India, he went on to serve as head coach of the India women's national team, guiding them to an Asia Cup title and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. He has also coached domestic powerhouses Mumbai and Gujarat, and served as a bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

Agarkar's tenure marked by international silverware

Agarkar served as chief selector from July 2023, overseeing an extraordinarily successful period for Indian men's cricket. Under his committee's leadership, India won three ICC trophies—including the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy—as well as two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals.

The BCCI formally placed on record its appreciation for Agarkar's conviction and commitment, noting the smooth organizational transition that maintains administrative stability across Indian cricket.