The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former India spinner Pragyan Ojha as the new chairman of the senior men’s selection committee following Ajit Agarkar’s departure. The board has also named former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar as a new member of the panel.
Ojha, who was already part of the selection committee, has been given the top role based on seniority. According to the BCCI, he has played the most Test matches among the five members of the committee, with 24 appearances in the format.
The selection panel now consists of Pragyan Ojha (chairperson), Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra and Ramesh Powar.
Ramesh Powar’s Appointment Approved by CAC
Powar’s appointment was recommended unanimously by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape. The committee interviewed and assessed applicants at the BCCI headquarters before making its recommendation.
Ramesh Powar’s International Career and Coaching Experience
Powar represented India in two Tests and 31 ODIs between 2004 and 2007. After his playing career, he moved into coaching and took up several important roles in domestic and international cricket.
He had two stints as head coach of the Indian women’s team. During his time in charge, India won the Asia Cup and secured a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Powar later moved to the National Cricket Academy, now known as the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he worked as a spin-bowling coach.
At the domestic level, he guided Mumbai to the Vijay Hazare Trophy title and served as head coach of Gujarat’s senior men’s team for the last two seasons before recently stepping down. He also worked as a consultant coach for Australia’s Under-19 team during its recent ODI series against India.
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Ajit Agarkar’s Tenure as Chief Selector Comes to an End
The vacancy in the senior men’s selection committee arose after Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chairman came to an end.
Agarkar took charge in July 2023 and oversaw a successful period for Indian cricket. During his time as chief selector, India won three ICC trophies (T20 World Cup 2024, 26 and Champions Trophy 2025), two Asia Cup titles and gold medals at two consecutive Asian Games.
Men’s Selection Committee
Pragyan Ojha (Chairperson), Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra, Ramesh Powar