New Delhi: Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has reportedly taken charge as the interim chief selector of the BCCI national selection committee following the departure of Ajit Agarkar.
Ojha was among four selectors who held discussions with India head coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati. Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra and R P Singh were also part of the meeting.
The discussions focused largely on India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, with the selection panel expected to finalise squads for the five-match T20I series, three-match ODI series and two-Test series. The selectors will also pick the India A squad for a three-Test assignment.
India’s New Zealand tour is scheduled to run from October 22 to November 27. The first Test is set to begin in Wellington on November 19. With the ODI series scheduled to conclude on November 15, players selected for the Test squad could be released early to begin preparations for the longer format.
BCCI Yet to Finalise Agarkar’s Successor
Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector is scheduled to end on October 4, leaving the BCCI with the task of appointing a permanent replacement.
The board has not yet officially announced Agarkar’s successor. Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has previously been reported as one of the names under consideration for the position.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has indicated that the board has enough time to complete the appointment process before Agarkar’s tenure formally ends.
The appointment assumes importance with India already looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup. The new selection committee will have a major role in managing the transition, identifying players and building the squad for the global tournament.
For now, Ojha’s reported involvement in the selection process comes as the BCCI prepares for a busy international schedule, beginning with the New Zealand tour later this month.
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