The BCCI is moving to appoint former left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha as India’s interim chief selector, with Ajit Agarkar’s tenure in the role scheduled to conclude on October 4, 2026. Reports citing BCCI sources have confirmed that Ojha is expected to step into the position immediately after Agarkar’s exit.
Agarkar’s last act as chief selector was overseeing the selection of the Indian squad for the upcoming home ODI series against West Indies. The BCCI has not disclosed any specific reason for his departure, and no formal public announcement confirming Ojha’s interim appointment had been made as of September 30, 2026.
According to Cricbuzz, Ojha has been asked by the BCCI to take charge, albeit in an interim capacity for the time being.
What is Pragyan Ojha’s record as an India cricketer?
Ojha served India across all three formats during a career that spanned the late 2000s and early 2010s. In 24 Tests, 18 ODIs and 6 T20Is, he finished with 144 international wickets in total. Test cricket was his strongest arena, where he claimed 113 wickets at an average of 30.27.
His final appearance in international cricket arrived in 2013 at the Wankhede Stadium, a match that doubled as Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell to the game. Ojha claimed ten wickets across that contest and received the Player of the Match award, giving his international career a fitting and memorable conclusion.
What assignments does the selection panel face next?
With Ojha expected to lead the committee on an interim basis, the panel faces a demanding schedule in the weeks ahead. The most immediate task is finalising squads for India’s tour of New Zealand, which runs from October 22 to November 27, 2026.
That tour covers a five-match T20I series, a three-match ODI series and a two-Test series. The selectors are also expected to name a squad for an India A three-Test assignment that falls within the same tour window, adding further to the workload during the transition period.
On the question of a permanent replacement for Agarkar, the BCCI has made no official announcement. Parthiv Patel has been cited in reports as one name under consideration for the full-time position, though no appointment has been confirmed as of September 30, 2026.
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