3 candidates who could replace Ajit Agarkar if he is removed as chairman of selectors
Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chairman of selectors is set to end this month.
India’s senior men’s team is entering an important phase, with the selectors having several key decisions to make in the coming months. India have a busy white-ball schedule ahead, with the team also beginning their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The selection committee will have an important role in building the squad for the next major ICC tournament. Along with managing the current setup, the selectors will also have to keep an eye on young players who could become part of India’s long-term plans.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, the role of selectors will be very crucial. However, Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chairman of the selection committee is nearing its end. Agarkar took charge in July 2023, and his current contract is scheduled to end this month.
Several reports have suggested that BCCI is unlikely to give him an extension, putting the focus on who could take over the role. The BCCI is now reportedly looking at the possible replacements, and on that note we take a look at three of them.
3 candidates who could replace Ajit Agarkar
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
3. RP Singh
RP Singh is another former India player connected to the current selection committee. The left-arm fast bowler played 14 Tests, 58 ODIs and 10 T20Is for India, taking 40, 69 and 15 wickets respectively.
The former pacer also played 82 IPL matches and picked up 90 wickets. After this, RP Singh remained involved in cricket and later became part of the national selection setup.
His experience as an international player and his current role on the selection panel put him among the names that could be discussed if there is a change in the leadership of the selection committee.
2. Pragyan Ojha
Pragyan Ojha is another name strongly linked with the position. The former left-arm spinner is already part of the current senior men’s selection committee.
Ojha played 24 Tests, 18 ODIs and six T20Is for India. He finished his Test career with 113 wickets and spent several years around the Indian international setup.
His current role on the selection committee gives him direct experience of how the national selection process works. Many reports have claimed Ojha as one of the leading candidates for the position if Ajit Agarkar leaves.
1. Parthiv Patel
Parthiv Patel is one of the names being discussed for the chief selector’s position. He is experienced in coaching IPL and other T20 franchises and is renowned for his eye for talent, having served as assistant coach of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026.
Parthiv played 25 Tests, 38 ODIs and 2 T20Is for India, amassing 1,706 runs across formats, with 93 catches and 18 stumpings.
His experience across different areas of the game is one of the reasons he has emerged as a major name in the discussion over Agarkar’s replacement.
Who could replace Ajit Agarkar as India’s chief selector?
Pragyan Ojha and Parthiv Patel are among the leading names being considered to replace Ajit Agarkar. RP Singh is also part of the current selection panel.
What are the BCCI rules to become a national selector?
A candidate must have played 7 Tests, or 30 first-class matches, or 10 ODIs and 20 first-class matches. The player must also have retired from the game at least five years ago.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.