Ajit Agarkar is set to leave his position as Chair of India’s Senior Men’s Selection Committee when his three-year contract expires on October 4, having informed the BCCI that he does not want an extension.
Agarkar communicated his decision to the board on September 18, setting up a leadership change in the selection structure as India builds towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. The BCCI has authorised its office-bearers to determine the future of the committee.
BCCI sets timeline for Chief Selector decision
The board has yet to name Agarkar’s successor and is expected to address the position once his existing contract has run its course. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI Videos: “As far as Ajit Agarkar is concerned, his tenure is going to be over on October 4 and we have sufficient time till then.”
The process will move into its next phase following the conclusion of Agarkar’s tenure. Saikia added: “We are going to take a decision regarding the vacant position that will arise after October 4. Once any decision is taken by the BCCI, we will definitely announce it in the public domain.”
Parthiv Patel emerges as frontrunner
While the BCCI has not confirmed who will take over, Parthiv Patel has emerged as the frontrunner for the position, as previously reported by cricexec. The former India wicketkeeper-batter’s name has been under consideration in Indian cricket circles for around six months.
Patel played 25 Tests for India and currently serves as an Assistant and Batting Coach with Gujarat Titans, alongside working in commentary when his schedule permits.
Pragyan Ojha is another name in the succession picture. If the BCCI is unable to complete a permanent appointment immediately, Ojha could potentially take charge on an interim basis while the board conducts the required process to replace Agarkar.
A permanent transition may take time because the BCCI would need to advertise the vacancy and conduct interviews, with the appointment process potentially requiring at least a month.
Agarkar prepares to close three-year tenure
Agarkar became Chair of the Senior Men’s Selection Committee in July 2023, succeeding Chetan Sharma.
His tenure has coincided with two major ICC titles for India. The men’s team won the T20 World Cup in 2024 before following that success with the Champions Trophy in 2025.
The next Chair will inherit responsibility for the selection set-up during India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Saikia looks to second Asian Games gold
Saikia also addressed India’s Asian Games campaign in Japan, welcoming the women’s team’s gold-medal success and highlighting its sustained run of results over more than a year.
India’s men will begin their campaign on September 28, with the final scheduled for October 3. Saikia expressed hope that the men’s side can follow the women by securing another cricket gold for India.
The men’s Asian Games campaign is therefore scheduled to conclude one day before Agarkar’s contract expires, after which the BCCI is set to address the vacancy at the top of the senior men’s selection committee.
