The situation regarding the tenure of Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector of the Indian men’s cricket team, remains unclear. The names of two former Indian cricketers are being discussed as potential successors to take charge of the selection committee.
Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not announced a successor to Ajit Agarkar as chairman of the men’s senior selection committee. At its 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mumbai on September 18, the board authorised its office-bearers to take the final call on the selection committee.
Agarkar’s tenure is expected to end in October. With no decision announced immediately after the AGM, the possibility of him continuing remains open, while reports have also linked two former India cricketers to the position if the board opts for a change.
BCCI Keeps Decision Pending
The BCCI AGM concluded without announcing a new chairman for the senior men’s selection panel.
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla said the board’s office-bearers had been authorised to decide on the future of the selection committee. The statement leaves the door open for either an extension for Agarkar or a fresh appointment.
Until the BCCI makes an official announcement, reports about potential replacements remain unconfirmed.
Two Former India Players in the Discussion
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel and former India spinner Pragyan Ojha are among the names that have surfaced in reports about the chief selector’s position.
Parthiv brings experience from both international and domestic cricket and has remained connected with the game since retiring. Ojha, meanwhile, is already associated with the men’s senior selection committee, giving him experience of the panel’s current working structure.
Neither has been officially named by the BCCI as Agarkar’s successor.
Parthiv Patel’s Domestic and International Record
Parthiv Patel played for India in all three international formats. His career also included a long stint in domestic cricket, particularly with Gujarat.
One of his notable achievements came in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season, when Gujarat won their first title. Patel captained the side and scored a century in the final against Mumbai.
He retired from all forms of cricket in December 2020. Since then, he has continued to work in cricket through commentary and analysis, keeping him involved with the sport beyond his playing career.
His international experience and extensive domestic background are among the factors behind the reports linking him with the selection committee’s top position.
Ojha Already Has Selection Committee Experience
Pragyan Ojha represented India as a left-arm spinner in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
He is already part of the men’s senior selection committee, meaning he has direct experience of the current selection process. His existing association with the panel has also led to his name being mentioned in reports about a possible change at the top.
However, the BCCI has not confirmed that Ojha will be appointed chairman or that he has formally been selected for the role.
Why Agarkar’s Tenure Is Under Discussion
Agarkar became chairman of the men’s senior selection committee in July 2023 after replacing Chetan Sharma.
His tenure has covered some significant moments for Indian cricket, including India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024 and the Champions Trophy victory in 2025.
The selection panel has also been involved in managing the transition between established players and younger members of the squad across formats.
With Agarkar’s tenure approaching its reported end, attention has now shifted towards the BCCI’s next move and the leadership of the selection committee.
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Agarkar’s Absence From Review Meeting
Speculation around Agarkar’s future increased further after he did not attend a BCCI review meeting earlier this month.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia subsequently explained that Agarkar was out of the city and faced connectivity issues, which prevented him from joining the meeting.
According to the board’s explanation, the meeting was centred on India’s planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the team’s longer-term roadmap. It was not officially described as a discussion on Agarkar’s continuation.
Despite the clarification, uncertainty over the selection committee’s leadership continued in the run-up to the AGM.
Rohit Sharma’s ODI Role Will Be Among the Key Decisions
Whoever leads the selection committee will have to deal with several significant questions surrounding India’s ODI squad.
Rohit Sharma remains one of the major names in that discussion. The former India captain has retired from Test and T20I cricket but continues to be available for ODIs.
His recent form has also remained relevant, particularly after his 138 against England in his last ODI appearance.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has previously said that Rohit can continue in the format as long as the selectors include him in their plans. His future will therefore be assessed as part of the team’s overall ODI requirements rather than being automatically linked to the change, if any, in the selection committee.
2027 ODI World Cup Adds to Selectors’ Responsibilities
The next ODI World Cup cycle will be a major part of the selection committee’s planning. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will jointly host the 2027 World Cup.
The selectors will need to build a squad for the tournament while also managing the transition towards younger players.
Virat Kohli is another senior player whose ODI future remains relevant. Like Rohit, Kohli has retired from Test and T20I cricket but remains available for ODIs.
The selection committee will have to consider factors such as current form, fitness, domestic performances, workload and the team’s requirements before making long-term decisions.
BCCI’s Next Announcement Will Set the Direction
The immediate question for the BCCI is whether Agarkar will continue in the role or whether a new chairman will be appointed.
If there is a change, the incoming chief selector will take charge during an important phase for Indian ODI cricket, with the 2027 World Cup cycle underway and several senior players still part of the team’s plans.
The chairman of the selection committee also plays a central role in squad selection, assessing domestic and international performances, monitoring player fitness and helping shape the team’s long-term composition.
For now, the BCCI has not officially announced a successor. Parthiv Patel and Pragyan Ojha are among the names mentioned in reports, but the final decision rests with the board’s authorised office-bearers.
