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The BCCI is close to appointing the fifth member of the Indian selection committee after the former chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s exit. The interview process for the fifth selector was completed on October 15, and the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) is expected to announce the name soon.
The national selector Pragyan Ojha is all set to become the full-time chief selector after serving as the interim chairman following Agarkar’s resignation earlier this month. Earlier, India ODI squad for New Zealand tour announced, Ravindra Jadeja dropped.
Ramesh Powar, Salil Ankola in race for BCCI selector role, announcement expected soon
As reported by Hindustan Times, former Mumbai cricketers Ramesh Powar and Salil Ankola are among the names being considered for the role of West Zone selector in the national selection committee. It is being said that the new selector from the West Zone will be announced soon.
Apart from Ramesh Powar and Salil Ankola, Jacob Martin and Connor Williams from the Baroda Cricket Association were also interviewed for the post. Powar has played two Tests and 31 ODIs for India, while Ankola has featured in one Test and 20 ODIs.
Martin has played 10 ODIs, whereas Williams has appeared in an unofficial Test against South Africa. The BCCI is expected to take a final call soon.
BCCI selector candidates asked about 2027 World Cup plans and Rohit Sharma’s ODI future
During the interview, the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) tried to understand the selectors’ plans for senior players, young talents, and India’s leadership options ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
One of the major questions during the interviews was about Rohit Sharma’s future in ODI cricket. CAC members Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjpe reportedly asked the candidates to share their views on whether Rohit should remain part of India’s plans for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
Rohit’s future had reportedly become a major issue during Ajit Agarkar’s tenure. The former chief selector had concerns about whether the former captain could continue playing until the next ODI World Cup. That led to Agarkar’s exit as the chairman of the selectors.
Why is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi not playing? BCCI seeks answers from selector candidates
The candidates were also asked about young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and why he has not been included in India’s T20I playing XI despite his talent and continued presence in the squad. Amid this, Bhuvneshwar Kumar replaced by GT pacer after India recall, Krunal Pandya named captain.
The CAC wanted to understand how the candidates would handle such situations and what approach they would take while selecting young players. Giving talented youngsters opportunities while managing the team’s requirements is expected to remain an important challenge for the next selection committee.
The candidates were also asked to consider a situation in which Shubman Gill suffered an injury and became unavailable. They had to explain which players they would consider as backup leaders for the India national cricket team in Tests and ODIs.
Why Pragyan Ojha could become next chief selector
The final decision will depend on the BCCI’s plans for the selection committee. As per the BCCI constitution, the most experienced Test cricketer among the five selected members becomes the chief selector.
Ojha, who has played 24 Tests for India, is currently serving as interim chief selector after Agarkar’s exit. Among the shortlisted candidates, only former India opener Wasim Jaffer has played more Tests than Ojha, with 31 appearances. However, Jaffer is unlikely to get the job, as the BCCI reportedly wants to maintain continuity in the selection process.
Ojha has already spent a year working under Agarkar and understands the existing plans and approach of the selection committee. His experience could work in his favor as India prepares for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
