Pragyan Ojha is set for a big comeback as Team India selector: Report

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing for a major shake-up in both its men’s and women’s selection committees. On Friday, the board released an advertisement inviting applications for two men’s national selectors, four women’s selectors, and one junior men’s selector. The deadline for applying is September 10.

As per BCCI’s rules, candidates applying for men’s national selector positions must have played at least seven Tests and 30 first-class matches, or 10 ODIs and 20 first-class games. However, these eligibility rules don’t apply to women’s selectors or junior selectors. Another important rule is that every applicant must have retired from cricket at least five years ago.

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Currently, the women’s selection panel is headed by former left-arm spinner Neetu David, along with Aarti Vaidya, Shama Shaw, and Renu Margret. Their term ends in September, and the board is planning a complete revamp. Interestingly, this same panel recently picked the 15-member squad for the Women’s World Cup to be played in India and Sri Lanka from September 30.

On the men’s side, the current selection committee is led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, with members Shiv Sunder Das, Subroto Banerjee, Ajay Ratra, and Sridharan Sharath. According to reports, former India spinner Pragyan Ojha is the frontrunner to replace Sharath from the South Zone, whose term ends next month. Sharath may return as junior chief selector, a role he had held when India won the Under-19 World Cup in 2022.

Pragyan Ojha Will Take Over as Men’s Panel Member from Sridharan Sharath

Ojha was a successful left-arm spinner, who had a successful career as a bowler in that region and an impact bowler/news-maker on turning tracks. The former India bowler, who played 24 Tests (113 wickets), has also played 40 ODIs (21 wickets), and 24 T20Is (6 wickets) since also retiring in 2020. Also, Ojha has plenty of experience, along with knowledge of the game, to suggest he should be an easy recommendation for a strong role.

BCCI Reminder - Top Players Must Play Domestic Whenever Possible

At the same time, the BCCI has also reminded state associations that centrally-contracted players must play domestic tournaments when they are available. The reminder comes after players like KL Rahul, and Mohammed Siraj, which was not picked for the Duleep Trophy. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that it is a reminder for the top players to strengthen the game and domestic cricket when there is no international schedule.

The final appointments will be ratified at the BCCI's Annual General Meeting expected next month. With these appointments, the board will add more energy and fresh ideas to the selection process and promote India's top players to connect with domestic cricket.