Pragyan Ojha Named India's Interim Chief Selector After Ajit Agarkar's Exit

Ajit Agarkar replaced by Pragyan Ojha [Source: AFP, x]Former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha has been reportedly appointed as new chief selector of the Indian men’s cricket team. However, the 40-year-old has been appointed for the high-profile role on an interim basis.Just a few days ago, former Indian fast bowler Ajit Agarkar reportedly stepped down from the role as he refused to extend his contract after the BCCI annual general meeting in Mumbai.Agarkar was initially appointed as the chairman of India’s selection committee way back in July 2023.Pragyan Ojha named new chief selector, albeit on an interim basisAs reported by Kushan Sarkar of Times of India, Pragyan Ojha has been appointed as the interim head of India’s selection committee. The report also states that all four active selectors are currently in Guwahati, which also happens to the venue city of India’s upcoming second ODI of the series against the visiting West Indies.Also Read- “Ajit Agarkar Wanted To Make Ruturaj Gaikwad India Captain”- Report Makes Shocking RevelationThe selectors will likely make some key decisions regarding Team India squad for their all-important Test tour of New Zealand next month. Kushan Sarkar @kushansarkar Pragyan Ojha for the time being is interim head of the selection committee. All 4 selectors are in Guwahati. They might just discuss and keep the squads for the New Zealand series ready. Some of the Test specialists in ODI squad might start red ball training as they have no BCCI expected to make full-time appointment soonWith Ajit Agarkar out of the selection committee, Pragyan Ojha has taken up the all-important role on an interim basis. One can understand BCCI’s decision, considering the Indian cricket team is scheduled to tour New Zealand next month for five T20Is, five ODIs and two Test matches.However, the BCCI will be expected to name a full-time chief selector soon, probably after the conclusion of India’s Test series in New Zealand. It is worth noting that Ojha was already in consideration by the BCCI to become the next chief selector after Agarkar’s exit. Just a couple of weeks ago, the former Indian spinner was reportedly shortlisted for the role along with fellow ex-Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel. A look at Pragyan Ojha’s experience as selectorPragyan Ojha was appointed as one of the BCCI selectors back in September 2025 last year in the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. According to rumours and unverified reports, the former Indian spinner as well as RP Singh were responsible in the late inclusion of Sanju Samson in Team India squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at home earlier this year. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, however, was against the decision as evidenced by Samson’s repeated exclusions from the national side in the preceding months. Ojha’s reported persistence ended up working wonders for Team India as Samson unleashed cracking knocks in the semifinal and final to help India win the title. The former spinner also reportedly played the peacemaker's role when tension escalated between senior cricketer Virat Kohli and the Gautam Gambhir-led team management regarding the former's participation in domestic cricket. With his experience within the selection committee, Ojha will now have a crucial role to play in guiding India through the upcoming assignments until the BCCI appoints a permanent chief selector.Also Read- Anrich Nortje’s Test Stats: A Closer Look At His Record Before South Africa Return Vs Australia