Former India left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has taken over as chief selector, while off-spinner Ramesh Powar has joined the senior men’s selection committee.

The BCCI announced on Monday that Ojha would chair the selection panel based on seniority, as he has played the most Tests among its five members, with 24 appearances. The committee now comprises Ojha, Powar, Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh and Ajay Ratra.

The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, unanimously recommended Powar for the role after screening and interviewing candidates at the BCCI headquarters last week. Powar also interviewed for a position on the junior selection committee.

Powar, 48, represented India in two Tests and 31 ODIs between 2004 and 2007. He brings considerable experience to the selection panel and beat competition from former India and West Zone players Wasim Jaffer, Salil Ankola, Jacob Martin and Connor Williams.

The Mumbai-based former cricketer served two stints as head coach of the India women’s team. During his tenure, he guided the side to an Asia Cup title and a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. His second stint ended when the BCCI moved him to the National Cricket Academy, now known as the BCCI Centre of Excellence, in Bengaluru, where he worked as a spin-bowling coach.

Powar has also coached Mumbai to a Vijay Hazare Trophy title and led Gujarat’s senior men’s team as head coach for the past two seasons before stepping down recently. He also worked as a consultant coach for Australia’s Under-19 team during its recent ODI series against India.

The senior selection committee vacancy emerged after Ajit Agarkar stepped down as chief selector. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia acknowledged Agarkar’s contribution and commitment during his tenure as chairman of the men’s selection committee.

“Since his appointment in July 2023, Agarkar led the committee through a significant period for Indian cricket, with India winning three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals,” Saikia said in a statement.

Agarkar took charge in July 2023 and oversaw a successful period for Indian men’s cricket, during which the team won three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and consecutive gold medals at the Asian Games.

Senior Men’s Selection Committee: Pragyan Ojha (Chairperson), Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra and Ramesh Powar.