Ramesh Powar Appointed to BCCI Men’s Selection Committee; Pragyan Ojha to Chair Panel
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former India spinner Ramesh Powar as a member of the senior men’s selection committee. The board also confirmed that former India spinner Pragyan Ojha will chair the five-member panel, marking a change in the leadership responsible for selecting India’s men’s national cricket team.
The announcement was made on October 19, 2026, following a selection process conducted by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). The committee, comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, interviewed applicants and unanimously recommended Powar for the position.
The appointments follow the end of Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chairman of the men’s selection committee. The BCCI also acknowledged Agarkar’s contribution during his time in the role.
BCCI Confirms Ramesh Powar’s Appointment
According to the BCCI announcement, Powar was selected following interviews and screening conducted by the Cricket Advisory Committee at the board’s headquarters.
Powar represented India in two Test matches and 31 One Day Internationals during his international playing career. Since retiring from international cricket, he has built experience in coaching and player development across several teams and programmes.
His coaching assignments have included the India women’s team, Mumbai and Gujarat, as well as a bowling-coach role at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
The appointment brings his experience as a former international spinner and coach into the selection process for India’s senior men’s team.
Pragyan Ojha Named Chairperson of the Selection Committee
Pragyan Ojha will chair the selection committee based on seniority, determined by the number of Test matches played by its members.
The former left-arm spinner represented India in 24 Tests, giving him the highest Test-match tally among the five members of the newly announced panel.
Ojha’s appointment places him at the head of the group responsible for assessing players, selecting squads and helping shape India’s plans across international formats.
The chairman and committee members will work together to evaluate performances, consider team combinations and select players for upcoming assignments.
India Men’s Selection Committee: Full List
The BCCI has confirmed the following five members for the senior men’s selection committee:
- Pragyan Ojha — Chairperson
- Shiv Sundar Das — Member
- RP Singh — Member
- Ajay Ratra — Member
- Ramesh Powar — Member
The panel will oversee selection decisions for India’s senior men’s team. Its responsibilities include evaluating domestic and international performances and choosing squads that suit the team’s requirements across formats.
Ramesh Powar’s Coaching Experience
Powar brings experience from both international cricket and coaching. His most prominent coaching assignment included leading the India women’s team, during which India won an Asia Cup title and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.
He has also coached Mumbai and Gujarat in domestic cricket and served as a bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
That background gives Powar experience in assessing players, developing bowling skills and working with teams in different competitive environments.
As a selector, his responsibilities will be different from those of a coach. Rather than preparing players for matches directly, he will contribute to collective decisions about squad composition, player roles and selection priorities.
BCCI Acknowledges Ajit Agarkar’s Contribution
The BCCI also expressed appreciation for Ajit Agarkar’s work as chairman of the men’s selection committee.
Agarkar took over the role in July 2023 and led the panel through a significant period for Indian cricket. According to the board’s statement, India won three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and consecutive Asian Games gold medals during his tenure.
His time as chairman included important decisions across India’s Test, ODI and T20I teams, with selection choices attracting considerable attention from fans and analysts.
The board acknowledged his commitment and contribution as the selection committee transitions to its new leadership.
What the New Selection Committee Means for Team India
The appointment of Powar and the elevation of Ojha come as India continue preparing for a demanding international schedule, including the build-up to the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The selection committee will need to assess players across domestic competitions and international cricket while balancing current form, experience, fitness and long-term team requirements.
For Powar, the move from coaching into selection offers a new responsibility within Indian cricket. Ojha’s role as chairperson will involve coordinating the panel’s work and helping guide collective decisions.
The impact of the changes will become clearer through the committee’s future squad announcements and the performances of the teams selected.
Conclusion
Ramesh Powar has joined the BCCI’s senior men’s selection committee, while Pragyan Ojha will serve as its chairperson. The five-member panel also includes Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh and Ajay Ratra.
Powar’s international playing career and coaching experience add a new perspective to the selection group, while Ojha takes on the responsibility of leading the committee based on seniority.
The BCCI has also recognised Ajit Agarkar’s contribution during his tenure. As India move towards their upcoming international assignments, attention will turn to how the new committee approaches squad selection and long-term planning.