Pragyan Ojha has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Ajit Agarkar as chief selector, with the selection committee and head coach Gautam Gambhir already turning their attention towards the crucial all-format tour of New Zealand.
Former Indian left-arm spin bowler Pragyan Ojha is among the frontrunners to become head of the selection committee. With Ajit Agarkar’s departure now imminent, Ojha is likely to become the new chief selector of the Indian men’s national cricket team.
Agarkar had a rollercoaster tenure as head of the selection committee. While India won several major ICC titles during his tenure, the former cricketerโs controversial selection calls frequently sparked debate, often prompting BCCI intervention to douse the controversy.
Pragyan Ojha named interim selection chief
According to PTI, Ojha has been appointed as interim head of the four-man selection committee amid Agarkar’s imminent departure. Head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen having a ‘lengthy discussion’ with members of the men’s selection committee on the eve of the ODI series on Tuesday.
The selection committee members, including Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra, R P Singh and Ojha, were spotted with Gambhir on the sidelines of the Barsapara Stadium as the West Indies went through their training session. But outgoing coach Agarkar was not present in Barsapara.
The presence of the selection committee during the IND-WI series is noteworthy, as they were in discussion with head coach Gambhir to finalise India’s squad for the upcoming away all-format series against New Zealand.
More from FirstcricketOjha braces for huge responsibility
With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, India’s tour of New Zealand will play a key role in shaping the team’s preparations, while selectors face the task of finalising the Test, one-day and T20I squads, along with teams for three India A fixtures.
The all-format series will begin with a five-match T20I series in Christchurch, where the likes of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are expected to feature prominently. Attention will then shift to the one-day format, with the five-match ODI series set to commence in Auckland on November 4, 2026.
The NZ-IND full tour will take place from October 22 to November 27, 2026.