Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has been officially confirmed as the new chairman of selectors on Monday. The 40-year-old replaced Ajit Agarkar, who served as the head of the selection panel for three years after taking charge in 2023. The 48-year-old was due for an extension but decided to quit earlier this month.

Ojha was initially named as the interim chief selector but will now take over the role full-time. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement regarding the same and also confirmed that Ramesh Powar has joined the selection committee from the West Zone region.

“The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Mr. Ashok Malhotra and Mr. Jatin Paranjape, conducted a selection process for the appointment of a member of the Men’s Selection Committee.

The CAC met at the BCCI HQ to screen and interview applicants and, following the process, unanimously recommended the appointment of Mr Ramesh Powar.

“Powar represented India in 2 Tests and 31 ODIs during his international playing career. He has since held major coaching roles, including Head Coach of the India Women’s team, Mumbai and Gujarat, as well as Bowling Coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. During his stint with the India Women’s team, he guided them to an Asia Cup title as well as a Commonwealth Games silver medal,” the statement said.

Indian board also thanked Agarkar for his services during his three-year stint. India won three ICC titles during his tenure, along with two Asia Cup titles (2023 ODI and 2025 T20I), and two Asian Games gold medals in 2023 and 2026.

Ojha’s name was finalised based on his experience. The former Mumbai Indians star made his Test debut in 2009 and played his last game in 2013, which was also Sachin Tendulkar’s last international game.

He played 24 Tests, claiming 113 wickets, 21 wickets from 18 ODIs and 10 scalps from six T20 matches.

Mumbai legend gearing up for selector’s duties

Considered one of the best off-spinners during his time, Powar was a key part of Mumbai cricket for over a decade before his move to Rajasthan, where he played one season before moving to Gujarat. The 48-year-old played two Tests for India in 2007 and also competed in 31 ODIs, where he claimed 34 wickets.

Ramesh ended his career with 148 first-class games, taking 470 wickets and scoring over 4000 runs with seven tons and 17 fifties.