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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced two major appointments in the India Men’s Selection Committee on Monday (October 19). The BCCI has appointed the former Indian cricketer Ramesh Powar as the West Zone selector and Pragyan Ojha as the chief selector.
Ajit Agarkar stepped down as the chairman of the Indian Men’s Selection Committee after completing his tenure on October 4. This left the BCCI to search for a selector and the chief selector.
Pragyan Ojha replaces Ajit Agarkar as chief selector, Ramesh Powar joins selection panel
Following Ajit Agarkar’s exit, the Indian selector Pragyan Ojha was serving as the interim chief selector, and now the BCCI officially confirmed the former Indian spinner’s full-time appointment.
While Ojha replaced Agarkar as the chairman of the Indian selection committee, Ramesh Powar has joined the five-member committee to fill the vacant position. The BCCI said that Ojha has been given the big responsibility based on seniority, considering the number of Test matches played.
The official media release reads, "Based on seniority (most tests), Mr. Pragyan Ojha will chair the Committee.”
Newly appointed chief selector enjoyed a successful international career with India between 2008 and 2013. The left-arm spinner was known for his flight and control and became the fastest Indian left-arm bowler to reach 100 Test wickets.
Ojha played 24 Tests, where he scalped 113 wickets at an average of 30.27, including seven five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket match haul. He also took 21 wickets in 18 ODIs and 10 wickets in six T20Is. He also has 89 wickets in 92 IPL matches to his name.
🚨 Announcement 🚨 Mr Ramesh Powar @imrameshpowar appointed to Men’s Selection Committee. Based on seniority (most Tests), Mr Pragyan Ojha @pragyanojha will chair the Committee. BCCI appreciates Mr Ajit Agarkar @imAagarkar for his commitment, conviction and contribution during his tenure as Chairman of the Committee. Details ▶️ https://t.co/z0jcyPWkr0 #TeamIndia
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 19, 2026
Ramesh Powar 'unanimously' picked as India selector
The Indian board has also revealed that Powar has been picked unanimously by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) for the national selector’s position. Powar played two Tests and 31 ODIs for India during his international career.
After retiring, he moved into coaching and served as the head coach of the India Women’s national cricket team, Mumbai and Gujarat. Amid this, MS Dhoni’s naughty move with Sakshi at Ambani family’s Navratri Mela goes viral.
He also worked as a bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. During his time with the Indian women’s team, Powar helped them win the Asia Cup title and secure a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.
BCCI hails Ajit Agarkar’s contribution as chief selector
Meanwhile, the BCCI also expressed its gratitude to outgoing chairman Ajit Agarkar for his commitment, strong leadership, and valuable contribution to Indian cricket during his tenure.
The media release further reads, "The BCCI places on record its appreciation for Mr. Ajit Agarkar for his commitment, conviction, and contribution during his tenure as Chairman of the Men’s Selection Committee. Since his appointment in July 2023, Agarkar has led the committee through a significant period for Indian cricket, with India winning three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles, and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals.”
Before this controversial exit, Agarkar had previously stepped down from his role as chairman of the Mumbai Senior Selection Committee in March 2019. His resignation came amid growing tensions over team selections and plans to rebuild the team, with the entire five-member selection panel leaving Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).
India’s current Men’s Selection Committee:
Pragyan Ojha (Chairperson), Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra, Ramesh Powar
