Ex-Indian spinner P Ojha takes over as BCCI selection committee head

Mumbai: Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has taken over as chairman of the BCCI’s senior men’s selection committee, succeeding Ajit Agarkar, while former India spinner Ramesh Powar has joined the five-member panel in a major reshuffle of the body responsible for selecting the national team, the Times of India reported.

Ojha, who represented India in 24 Tests, 18 One-Day Internationals and six T20 Internationals, joined the selection committee in September 2025 alongside former India fast bowler RP Singh. He has now risen to the top position under the BCCI’s seniority criterion, which is determined by the number of Test matches played.

The new panel comprises Ojha, Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra and Powar.

Powar’s appointment followed interviews conducted at the BCCI headquarters by the Cricket Advisory Committee, comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape. The committee unanimously recommended him for the role.

Agarkar’s tenure, which began in July 2023, ended on October 4, 2026, after he chose not to seek an extension. His period in charge coincided with a successful run for Indian cricket, including T20 World Cup triumphs in 2024 and 2026, the 2025 Champions Trophy, two Asia Cup titles and consecutive Asian Games gold medals. The BCCI acknowledged his contribution to these achievements.

Powar brings international playing and coaching experience to the selection panel. He played two Tests and 31 ODIs for India and has coached the national women’s team, Mumbai and Gujarat, besides working as a bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

During his stint with India’s women's team, Powar guided the team to an Asia Cup title and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.