3 names who could replace Ajit Agarkar as India’s chief selector

Ajit Agarkar’s time as Chairman of India’s Senior Men’s Selection Committee appears to be drawing to a close. Appointed on July 4, 2023, he replaced Chetan Sharma and went on to pick squads for three major ICC events, including the ODI World Cup 2023, the T20 World Cup 2024, and the T20 World Cup 2026.

Reports suggest that a one-year extension for Agarkar is unlikely, with neither the chief selector nor BCCI officials moving forward with it. The September 16 selection meeting, where squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against the West Indies were announced, may have been his last. The BCCI’s Annual General Meeting is expected to decide the matter, after which office-bearers have been given authority to finalise the new appointment.

Here are 3 replacement options for Ajit Agarkar as India’s chief selector

3. Pragyan Ojha

Pragyan Ojha is widely regarded as a frontrunner for the top selection role. He is already a sitting member of the five-man committee headed by Agarkar, alongside Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra, and R.P. Singh. His familiarity with the current system and his working knowledge of the panel’s processes make him what many observers describe as the most straightforward option available to the BCCI.

Ojha represented India in 24 Tests, 18 ODIs, and 6 T20Is, claiming 113 wickets in Test cricket alone. His active presence on the existing selection panel means he already understands the demands of the role. He is also reported to have strong connections within the BCCI, which could smooth any transition if he were elevated to the chairman’s position.

2. VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman‘s name has been circulating in cricketing circles as a possible option to lead the selection committee. He currently heads the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has stepped in to coach the India team on a stand-in basis on more than one occasion. However, sources note that he has not actively sought out larger administrative positions within the BCCI.

Whoever takes charge will inherit a selection panel that has already drawn scrutiny. The committee faced criticism for removing 2026 T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav from his captaincy and squad, and for leaving out Sanju Samson, the 2026 T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament, from the T20I series against Zimbabwe. The incoming chief selector will also have the significant responsibility of building India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

1. Parthiv Patel

Parthiv Patel has been a prominent name in discussions around the chief selector role for some time. Reports from india dot com dated September 18 indicate he is set to take over as the West Zone selector and may also be considered for the chairman’s post. His background spans both playing and franchise cricket roles, having served as assistant coach of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026.

Parthiv played 25 Tests, 38 ODIs, and 2 T20Is for India, accumulating 1,706 runs across formats along with 93 catches and 18 stumpings. His exposure to franchise environments and talent identification at the highest domestic level adds a different dimension to his profile compared to the other candidates being considered.