Pragyan Ojha has been appointed chairman of the BCCI men’s selection committee, succeeding Ajit Agarkar. The Board of Control for Cricket in India also appointed former India spinner Ramesh Powar to the selection panel, bringing fresh experience to the team responsible for selecting India’s senior men’s squads.
The appointments were announced on October 19, 2026, following a selection process conducted by the Cricket Advisory Committee. Ojha’s seniority, based on the number of Test matches played, places him at the head of the five-member committee.
Pragyan Ojha takes charge of selection duties
Pragyan Ojha represented India in 24 Tests, 18 One Day Internationals and six T20 internationals during his playing career. He had already been serving on the selection committee before taking over as chairman.
The committee plays a central role in choosing squads, evaluating player performances and planning India’s approach across international formats. Its decisions often attract significant attention from fans, particularly before major tournaments and important series.
Ramesh Powar joins the BCCI panel
Ramesh Powar has also been appointed to the men’s selection committee. The former spinner represented India in two Tests and 31 ODIs and has experience in coaching, including roles with the Indian women’s team and domestic sides.
His background in international cricket and coaching adds another perspective to discussions about squad composition, player development and team balance.
What changes after Ajit Agarkar’s exit?
Ajit Agarkar became chairman of the selection committee in July 2023. During his tenure, India reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final and won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Pragyan Ojha now inherits responsibility for one of Indian cricket’s most closely watched roles. The panel must balance established players with emerging talent while considering form, fitness and the demands of different formats.
The appointment could also bring renewed attention to India’s long-term selection strategy as the team prepares for future international assignments and ICC tournaments.
For Indian cricket fans, the committee’s upcoming squad announcements will provide the first opportunities to assess its priorities. Its performance will ultimately be judged by the quality and consistency of selection decisions and the results achieved by the teams it assembles.
