The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially appointed former Indian off-spinner Ramesh Powar to the senior men’s selection committee. Powar replaces Ajit Agarkar, whose three-year tenure concluded in early October. Additionally, based on seniority—determined by the number of Test matches played—former left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has been named the new chairman of the selection committee.
Ramesh Powar replaces Ajit Agarkar
The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjpe, finalized the decision following interviews with the candidates. The five-member selection panel now includes Pragyan Ojha (Chairman), Ramesh Powar, Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, and Ajay Ratra. Powar, who represented India in 2 Tests and 31 One Day Internationals (ODIs), brings extensive coaching experience at both the domestic and international levels.
🚨 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
In recent years, he served as the head coach of the Indian women’s team, a period during which the side won the Asia Cup and secured a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. Furthermore, he has held coaching roles with Mumbai, Gujarat, and the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Following Agarkar’s departure, Pragyan Ojha has become the chief selector, based on seniority determined by the number of Test matches played. Ojha—who played 24 Tests, 18 ODIs, and 6 T20Is for India, claiming 113 wickets in Test cricket—has been a key member of the selection committee.
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Agarkar took charge of the men’s selection committee in July 2023 and held the position until October 4, 2026, when his tenure officially ended. No reason for his departure has been cited other than the completion of his term. Under his chairmanship, the Indian men’s team achieved significant stability and success. The team won three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles, and gold medals in consecutive Asian Games.
