Who Will Be The Next Chief Selector After Ajit Agarkar? Two Former Indian Cricketers in Discussion
The person who takes charge of the selection committee after Agarkar will bear the responsibility of determining the team composition for the World Cup and grooming young players.
Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet announced who will head the men’s senior selection committee after Ajit Agarkar. At its 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mumbai on September 18, the board authorised its office-bearers to take a decision on the future of the selection committee.
Agarkar’s current tenure is set to end in October, and speculation over whether he will receive an extension has intensified in recent weeks. If the BCCI decides to appoint a new chairman, two former India cricketers have emerged as names under discussion for the position.
BCCI Yet to Take Final Call
The 95th BCCI AGM was held at the board’s headquarters in Mumbai on Friday. While the future of the men’s senior selection committee was discussed, no new chief selector was announced after the meeting.
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla said the board’s office-bearers had been authorised to take the decision regarding the selection committee. This leaves open the possibility of either an extension for Agarkar or the appointment of a new chairman.
Two Names Being Discussed
Among the names linked to the position are former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel and former India spinner Pragyan Ojha.
Parthiv’s name has reportedly been discussed within BCCI circles for several months. His experience includes international cricket as well as a long domestic career, while his post-retirement involvement in cricket has kept him connected with the sport.
Pragyan Ojha, meanwhile, is already associated with the senior men’s selection committee. His familiarity with the existing selection process and players has made his name another subject of discussion in reports concerning the position.
Parthiv Patel’s Cricket Experience
Parthiv Patel represented India across Test, ODI and T20I cricket. He also had an extensive domestic career, particularly with Gujarat.
One of the significant achievements of his playing career came during the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season. As captain of Gujarat, Patel played an important role in the team’s maiden Ranji Trophy title and scored a century in the final against Mumbai.
He announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in December 2020. Since then, he has remained involved in the game through commentary, analysis and other cricket-related assignments.
His experience at both domestic and international levels is among the factors that have led to his name being discussed for the chief selector’s role.
Pragyan Ojha Already Part of Selection Committee
Pragyan Ojha played international cricket for India as a left-arm spinner and featured in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
Unlike Parthiv Patel, Ojha is already part of the men’s senior selection committee. That gives him familiarity with the current selection structure and the functioning of the panel.
Some reports have suggested that he could be considered for the chairman’s position if the BCCI decides to make a change. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding his appointment or candidature.
Also Read :- Ram Gopal Varma and Mohit Suri Team Up for a New Gangster Drama: What We Know So Far
Why Agarkar’s Future Has Become a Talking Point?
Ajit Agarkar took charge as chairman of the men’s senior selection committee in July 2023. His tenure has included several important phases in Indian cricket, including India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The selection committee has also overseen a period of transition involving several senior players and the emergence of younger cricketers.
Agarkar’s future became a subject of increased speculation after reports emerged about his possible extension and the board’s plans for the next selection cycle.
Absent From a Review Meeting
Agarkar’s absence from a BCCI review meeting earlier this month also led to speculation about his position.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia later clarified that Agarkar was outside the city and could not join the meeting because of poor internet connectivity at his location.
The board indicated that the meeting was primarily focused on India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the team’s future roadmap. It was not officially described as a meeting to decide Agarkar’s position.
Despite the clarification, reports about the future of the selection committee continued ahead of the AGM.
Rohit Sharma’s ODI Future in Focus
The next chief selector, if there is a change, will inherit several important selection decisions. One of the biggest questions concerns Rohit Sharma’s ODI future.
Rohit has retired from Test and T20I cricket but remains available for the ODI format. His inclusion in India’s upcoming ODI plans has therefore attracted considerable attention.
The veteran batter’s recent performances, including his 138-run innings against England, have also contributed to the continuing discussion around his place in India’s ODI setup.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has said that Rohit can continue as long as the selectors consider him part of their plans.
2027 World Cup Will Be a Major Challenge
India’s next ODI World Cup cycle will be one of the key considerations for the selection committee. The 2027 ODI World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The selectors will have to balance experience with the development of younger players while building a squad capable of competing through the tournament cycle.
Along with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s ODI future will also remain an important selection issue. Kohli, like Rohit, has retired from Test and T20I cricket but remains available in ODIs.
The decisions on both senior players will depend on performance, fitness, team requirements and the selection committee’s long-term plans.
What Happens Next?
The BCCI now has to decide whether Ajit Agarkar will continue as chairman or whether the process for appointing his successor will begin.
If a new chairman is appointed, the incoming selector will take charge at a time when Indian cricket is preparing for an important ODI cycle and managing a transition between experienced players and emerging talent.
The chief selector’s responsibilities extend beyond selecting squads for individual series. The committee assesses domestic performances, international form, fitness, player workload and the team’s requirements across formats.
Parthiv Patel and Pragyan Ojha are among the names being discussed in reports, while the final decision has been left to the BCCI office-bearers.