BCCI selection panel changes: Pragyan Ojha tipped for top role, Rames Powar to join

Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha is set to take over as the full-time chairman of the Indian senior men's cricket team's selection committee, with former spinner Rames Powar also expected to join the panel, sources told NDTV on Saturday.

Ojha had been handling the selection committee on an interim basis following Ajit Agarkar's departure. His full-time appointment is awaiting official confirmation. Powar is expected to replace Agarkar as the West Zone representative, joining Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra and RP Singh on the panel.

Ojha beats competition for top selection role

Ojha was among the contenders for the chairman's position, along with former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel. However, Patel did not apply for the role, clearing the way for Ojha's appointment.

The former left-arm spinner represented India in 24 Tests. His experience in the longest format, higher than that of the existing selectors, is understood to have strengthened his candidature.

Among the other candidates considered for the position, only Wasim Jaffer, who played 31 Tests for India, had a higher Test tally than Ojha.

Powar, meanwhile, was widely expected to take charge of the junior men's selection committee. However, according to NDTV sources, he will instead join the senior men's panel as the West Zone selector. Powar played two Tests and 31 ODIs for India and served as head coach of the Indian women's team in two stints.

Dodda Ganesh to head junior selection panel

Former India fast bowler Dodda Ganesh is set to head the junior men's selection committee. He played one Test and four ODIs for India, while former domestic cricketer Arjun Yadav was also in contention for the position.

Arun Sharma from Jammu and Kashmir, L. Pawar from Gujarat, Deep Bora from Assam and Pankaj Singh from Rajasthan are likely to join the junior selection panel as members.

India announce New Zealand series squads

The selection developments come after the BCCI announced India's squads for the upcoming ODI and Test series against New Zealand on Friday. The tour will feature five T20Is, five ODIs and two Test matches, with the T20I squad already announced earlier.

Shubman Gill will captain India in the first three ODIs, before Shreyas Iyer takes over for the final two matches as Gill rests ahead of the Test series. The ODIs will be played from November 4 to 15, while the Test series begins on November 19.