Ramesh Powar appointed to BCCI selection panel; Pragyan Ojha to chair committee

Ramesh Powar— a man who has adorned multiple hats since his retirement after an illustrious career — has formally replaced Ajit Agarkar in the men’s senior national selection committee. The appointment also means Pragyan Ojha has taken over as the chairman of the five-member panel.

The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, unanimously recommended Powar’s appointment after screening and interviewing applicants at the BCCI headquarters. The Board secretary Devajit Saikia announced the decision on Monday (October 19, 2026).

As reported by The Hindu on Saturday (October 17), Powar was the front-runner once the CAC concluded interviewing five candidates, including Wasim Jaffer, Salil Ankola, Jacob Martin and Connor Williams.

Powar, who represented India in two Tests and 31 One-Day Internationals, brings considerable coaching experience to the panel. The former off-spinner has served as head coach of the India women’s team, Mumbai and Gujarat, besides working as a bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

His stint with the women’s team yielded an Asia Cup title and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, adding to a coaching résumé that spans both international and domestic cricket.

Powar’s appointment fills the vacancy left by Agarkar, whose tenure as chairman of the selection committee ended on October 4. The BCCI placed on record its appreciation for Agarkar’s “commitment, conviction and contribution” during his time at the helm.

Under Agarkar, the selection committee oversaw a successful period for Indian cricket, with the national teams winning three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back gold medals at the Asian Games, according to the BCCI statement.

With Agarkar’s departure, Ojha will assume the chairperson’s role by virtue of having played the most Tests among the members of the reconstituted panel. Das will complete four years — the maximum permissible tenure for a selector — at the end of December.

The new line-up combines former India players with experience in different facets of the game, with Powar’s coaching background likely to add another perspective to the selection process. 

Men’s Selection Committee: Pragyan Ojha (Chairman), Shiv Sunder Das, R.P. Singh, Ajay Ratra and Ramesh Powar.