Live Update: 3 names expected to replace Ajit Agarkar as India’s chief selector The BCCI has opened plications for the vacant West Zone position in the senior selection panel with a deadline of October 14, 2026.
Indian coach Gautam Gambhir and Indian men’s cricket team selection chief Ajit Agarkar (Credit: Gareth Copley/) Ajit Agarkar’s term as chairman of the senior selection committee ended on October 4, 2026 after he decided against an extension. He was pointed to this position on July 4, 2023, replacing Chetan Sharma. During his tenure, Agarkar led the teams for three ICC tournaments – the T20 World Cup 2024, the Champions Trophy 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026 – all of which India won.
The BCCI has since opened plications for the vacancy, to be filled by a candidate from the West Zone, with the deadline to ply being October 14, 2026. Pragyan Ojha is currently the acting chairman of the selection committee. Parthiv Patel Parthiv Patel.
(Photo Source: Parthiv Patel/YouTube) Parthiv Patel is widely considered the favorite to fill the West Zone vacancy on the senior selection panel. Multiple reports from September 2026 identified him as the leading candidate for the position. Patel has played 25 Tests, 38 ODIs and 2 T20Is for India, easily exceeding the BCCI eligibility threshold of at least 7 Tests and 30 first-class matches or 10 ODIs and 20 first-class matches and at least five years since his retirement.
He made his Test debut in 2002 against England at Trent Bridge at the age of 17 years and 153 days, becoming the youngest wicketkeeper in Test cricket at the time. Most recently, he worked as a scout and coach for the IPL franchise Gujarat Titans. Sameer Dighe Sameer Dighe.
(Photo Source: Twitter) Sameer Dighe, a former Indian cricketer who made his national debut at the age of 31, has emerged as a contender, according to cricket expert Aakash Chopra. On October 9, 2026, Chopra said on his YouTube channel that his close sources had mentioned Dighe as a name in the race, adding that he expected even bigger names to emerge. Dighe represented India in 6 Tests and 23 ODIs before retiring from the game.
After his playing career, he moved into coaching and was pointed head coach of Mumbai for one season. His familiarity with the Mumbai cricket ecosystem, which is part of the West Zone, makes him a credible candidate under the BCCI eligibility rules. Ramesh Powar Ramesh Powar, the former Indian player, brings with him extensive administrative and coaching experience.
He was the head coach of the Indian women’s national team and also led the Gujarat senior national team as head coach. Powar was recently pointed head of the BCCI’s national junior selection committee, where his responsibilities include overseeing age group cricket courses across the country. His experience at multiple levels of Indian cricket gives him a strong profile, although it should be noted that his confirmed role is currently that of the junior panel rather than the senior selection committee.
The BCCI is expected to complete this after the October 14, 2026 deadline.
