The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has started the process to find a successor to Ajit Agarkar as chairman of the senior Indian men's selection committee. A former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel and a former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha are among the two possible candidates who have been picked for the position.
Agarkar is on the cusp of being terminated as chairman of the senior men's selection committee in July 2023 (he is currently on leave). Recently reported that the BCCI is unlikely to extend his contract, because he has been in discussions about him staying for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Parthiv Patel and Pragyan Ojha in Contention
Parthiv Patel and Pragyan Ojha are the two candidates that are shortlisted by the BCCI for the Chief selector job. Both former cricketers have played for India at the international level and have experience in the IPL ecosystem.
Patel, who once played all three formats for India, has later moved into commentary, cricket analysis, and other roles from the wicketkeeper position. His work in professional cricket has also kept him in contact with the domestic and franchise cricket world.
Ojha, on the other hand, was a former left-arm spinner with India in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. He is also part of Agarkar's selection panel as well, so taking over as chairman would be of particular importance if the reported shortlist materialises.
But the BCCI has not yet made an official announcement of Agarkar's successor. The reported shortlist should be seen as part of the selection process as well, not a confirmed appointment.
The tenure of Agarkar is coming to an end
Agarkar became Chief Selector in 2023 after Chetan Sharma resigned. He held meetings with several members of the selection committee and made big decisions about India's senior men's team during the time.
The latest developments have come just as the selection committee announced India's squads for the upcoming limited-overs series against the West Indies. Reports suggest that Agarkar's meeting on Wednesday could have been his last selection meeting if his contract is not extended.
The timing also comes ahead of the BCCI's annual general meeting of that institution, where things like the board and cricket administration will be discussed.
Rohit Sharma’s ODI Future provides context
Agarkar’s reported exit has also attracted attention because of discussions around Rohit Sharma’s ODI future.
Rohit retired from Test cricket in 2025 and is currently playing only ODI cricket for India. According to earlier reports, the selection committee had discussed India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup with Rohit.
Rohit was still selected for India’s ODI assignments. The veteran batter also showed great performance against England and scored 138 in the third ODI at Lord's, dismissing speculation of a retirement.
The recent squad announcement for the West Indies series has once again included Rohit in India's ODI team, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal.
What is next?
The BCCI's shortlist of Parthiv Patel and Pragyan Ojha does not necessarily mean either player has been officially appointed. The board will complete its internal process before making a formal decision.
If Agarkar's tenure is to end, the new chairman will assume one of the most closely watched roles in Indian cricket, likely to be at the forefront of selection decisions when India comes to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
For now, Parthiv Patel and Pragyan Ojha are two names that remain under consideration at present, and the final decision now lies with the BCCI.
