Overview
- The BCCI confirmed on Monday that Pragyan Ojha will chair the five‑member men's selection committee and that Ramesh Powar has been appointed as the West Zone selector to complete the panel.
- The Cricket Advisory Committee of Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape screened candidates, held interviews after the application window closed on October 14, and unanimously recommended Powar following interviews on October 15.
- Ojha was elevated to chair under the board's seniority rule because he has the most Test appearances on the panel (24), a measure the BCCI uses to assign the chair when multiple selectors serve together.
- Several reports say Parthiv Patel did not apply for the vacancy because the selection‑chief role’s reported pay (about ₹3 crore a year) would require forgoing higher IPL coaching and TV commentary income.
- Ajit Agarkar’s term formally ended on October 4 and the BCCI publicly thanked him for his service; the new panel must now manage squad picks, fitness coordination with V V S Laxman’s Centre of Excellence, and preparation for upcoming tours and the 2027 ODI World Cup.