Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha is reportedly handling the role of interim chief selector of the BCCI’s national selection committee following the end of Ajit Agarkar’s tenure. According to PTI, Ojha was among the four selectors who held an extended meeting with India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday ahead of the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati. Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra and R P Singh were also part of the discussion.
The meeting reportedly focused on India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, with the selection committee expected to finalise squads for the five-match T20I and ODI series, along with the two-Test series. The selectors will also pick the India A squad for a three-Test assignment.
India’s New Zealand tour is scheduled from October 22 to November 27, with the first Test set to be played in Wellington from November 19. Since the final ODI is scheduled for November 15, some members of the Test squad could be released early to allow them to prepare for the red-ball series.
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Agarkar’s contract is due to end on October 4, making Ojha’s reported interim role a significant development for Indian cricket. Ojha has previously served in the selection setup and was recently criticised for his work as a South Zone selector during the Duleep Trophy.
🏮WHY IPL FRANCHISE COACHES SHOULD NOT BECOME CHIEF SELECTOR 🤯
– Parthiv Patel is the head coach of Gujarat Titans
– if Parthiv will become selector then GT players will be selected more
– Pragyan Ojha is not a coach & coaching staff of any IPL franchise & Pragyan is better… pic.twitter.com/OIMEUHE4dx
— VK (@Aur_vicky) September 30, 2026
Parthiv Patel was reportedly considered a leading candidate for the vacant position earlier this month. However, the BCCI has yet to officially announce Agarkar’s replacement. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia recently indicated that the board had enough time to make the appointment.
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“As far as Ajit Agarkar is concerned, his tenure is going to be over on 4th of October and we have sufficient time till 4th,” Saikia told PTI Videos. “We are going to take a decision regarding the vacant position which will be there after 4th of October. Once any decision is taken by BCCI, we will definitely announce it in public domain,” he added.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, the appointment of the next chief selector will be closely watched. The selection committee will have an important role in shaping India’s squad and identifying the core group of players for the tournament.
