Pragyan Ojha has replaced Ajit Agarkar as chairman of the BCCI Men's Selection Committee, with former India spinner Ramesh Powar appointed as the newest member of the five-person panel.
The BCCI said Ojha would chair the committee on the basis of seniority, measured by the number of Test appearances among its members. The announcement gives India's senior men's selection group new leadership as the national team begins its New Zealand tour and continues planning towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
India men's selection committee
- Pragyan Ojha: Chairperson.
- Shiv Sundar Das: Member.
- RP Singh: Member.
- Ajay Ratra: Member.
- Ramesh Powar: Member.
Why Pragyan Ojha becomes chairman
Ojha was already serving on the selection committee. Following Agarkar's departure, the BCCI confirmed that the former left-arm spinner would become chairperson because he has played the most Tests among the remaining selectors.
Ojha represented India in 24 Tests, 18 ODIs and six T20Is. He claimed 144 international wickets and is remembered for taking ten wickets in Sachin Tendulkar's farewell Test against the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in 2013.
Ramesh Powar joins after CAC process
The Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape screened and interviewed applicants at the BCCI headquarters. According to the board, the CAC unanimously recommended Powar for the vacant position.
Powar played two Tests and 31 ODIs for India. After his playing career, he held coaching positions with the India women's team, Mumbai and Gujarat, and served as bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Ajit Agarkar's tenure ends
Agarkar had led the selection committee since July 2023. The BCCI thanked him for his commitment and contribution during a successful period in which India won three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games cricket gold medals.
His term also covered major squad transitions across formats. Reports said Agarkar did not seek an extension after the completion of his tenure.
Major decisions awaiting the new panel
The reconstituted committee takes charge at an important point in India's cycle. Immediate assignments include the multi-format tour of New Zealand, while the longer-term focus will be building a settled ODI group for the 2027 World Cup.
The selectors will also oversee workload management, player succession and the balance between established internationals and emerging performers. India's recently announced ODI and Test squads for the New Zealand tour underline the scale of those decisions.
Key facts
- Pragyan Ojha succeeds Ajit Agarkar as chairman.
- Ramesh Powar fills the vacant place on the five-member panel.
- Ojha played 24 Tests, 18 ODIs and six T20Is for India.
- Powar played two Tests and 31 ODIs before moving into coaching.
- The panel will guide India's selections in the build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Sources
- BCCI: Ramesh Powar appointed to Men's Selection Committee
- The Indian Express: Pragyan Ojha replaces Ajit Agarkar
- India Today: BCCI names Ojha chief selector
Appointments, committee membership and career details were checked against the cited sources on 20 October 2026.