New Delhi: Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has been asked to take charge of the national men’s selection committee on an interim basis after Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as BCCI chairman of selectors came to an end.
According to a report cited by NDTV Sports, Agarkar’s contract expired on October 4 and he was absent from a recent Team India selection meeting in Guwahati. Ojha, already a member of the four-man selection panel, was subsequently asked to oversee the proceedings.
The 39-year-old former left-arm spinner has now emerged as a potential candidate for the full-time chairman’s position. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet taken a final decision on Agarkar’s successor.
Ojha emerges as leading candidate
Ojha’s elevation comes because he has the most Test experience among the current members of India’s senior men’s selection committee.
The former spinner represented India in 24 Testswhile fellow selector Shiv Sunder Das played 23 Tests. Rudra Pratap Singh has 14 Test appearances to his name, while former wicketkeeper-batter Ajay Ratra played six Tests.
With Ojha already part of the selection panel, his interim appointment provides continuity while the BCCI considers its options for the permanent position.
A source quoted in the report described Ojha as an acceptable candidate for the role, although the final decision remains open.
The BCCI could ultimately retain Ojha as chairman or appoint another former India player to replace Agarkar.
Ajit Agarkar’s tenure comes to an end
Agarkar took over as chairman of the senior men’s selection committee in July 2023 and served through a successful period for Indian cricket.
During his tenure, India reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cupwon the 2024 T20 World Cup and lifted the 2025 Champions Trophy. India also retained the T20 title at the 2026 Asian Games.
The BCCI had been considering Agarkar’s future for several weeks before his contract expired.
At the Board’s Annual General Meeting in September, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had said there was no immediate decision on Agarkar’s future and that the Board would take a call at the appropriate time.
The BCCI’s office-bearers had subsequently been authorised to decide whether Agarkar would receive an extension or whether a replacement process would begin.
Parthiv Patel also linked to role
While Ojha has emerged as the immediate candidate from within the existing committee, he is not the only name linked with the position.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has reportedly been discussed as a possible successor to Agarkar.
The BCCI has yet to formally announce its preferred candidate, making the situation fluid as the selectors prepare for a busy international schedule.
For now, Ojha’s familiarity with the existing selection structure gives him an advantage as the committee prepares to make important decisions in the coming weeks.
New Zealand tour first major challenge
The selection committee is expected to meet this week to finalise India’s squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.
India are scheduled to play five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests against the New Zealand side. The selectors will therefore have to make decisions across all three formats while managing player workloads and assessing the available talent.
The upcoming selection meetings could provide Ojha with his first major test in the interim role.
The committee will also have to consider the balance between established international players and emerging cricketers as India prepare for a demanding period in the international calendar.
2027 World Cup decisions await
The permanent chief selector will inherit one of the most important responsibilities in Indian cricket — building the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Several significant questions will need to be addressed ahead of the tournament, including the future of Rohit Sharma in India’s ODI setup and the composition of the team’s all-rounder and fast-bowling groups.
The selection committee will have to assess performances, fitness, age profile and long-term suitability while putting together a squad capable of competing for the World Cup.
That makes the appointment of Agarkar’s successor particularly important for Indian cricket.
Ojha’s international career
Pragyan Ojha enjoyed a substantial international career with India, particularly in Test cricket.
The left-arm spinner played 24 Testsmaking him the most experienced Test cricketer among the current members of the senior selection committee.
His experience of international cricket and his existing role on the selection panel could help him manage the transition following Agarkar’s departure.
However, becoming permanent chairman would involve responsibilities beyond evaluating players. The chief selector must lead discussions involving multiple formats, balance the requirements of the national team and work closely with the wider cricketing structure.
BCCI yet to confirm permanent appointment
For the moment, Ojha’s position remains interim.
The BCCI has not announced whether he will receive the permanent chairman’s role or whether it will appoint another candidate. Reports indicate that the Board is still evaluating its options.
The coming weeks are likely to provide greater clarity, particularly as India begin preparations for the New Zealand tour and the selectors face several important squad-selection decisions.
If Ojha is eventually confirmed as the permanent chairman, his appointment would represent a promotion from within the existing selection committee rather than a complete overhaul of the panel.
A new chapter for India’s selection committee
Agarkar’s departure marks the end of an important phase for India’s senior selection committee, while Ojha’s interim elevation opens the possibility of a new leadership era.
With major bilateral series ahead and the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, the next chief selector will have a demanding job.
For now, Ojha has been entrusted with guiding the committee through its immediate responsibilities. Whether that temporary arrangement develops into a permanent appointment will depend on the BCCI’s final decision in the coming weeks.