Former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha takes charge as new BCCI chairman of selectors

Former left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha is the new chairman of selectors, taking over the role from Ajit Agarkar on Monday. He first joined the selection committee in September as an interim member.

Background

The 40-year-old played 24 Tests, 18 ODIs, and six T20Is for India between 2008 and 2013, and also played in the IPL for the Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians. His first-class career lasted over 13 years from 2005 to 2018, where he played for Hyderabad and captained Bihar in the Ranji Trophy. One of his most famous performances was taking 10 wickets against the West Indies during Sachin Tendulkar's farewell Test match in Mumbai.

Career Challenges

In 2014, authorities reported his bowling action for being suspect, and he went through corrective rehabilitation. He was cleared to play again in 2015, but his effectiveness as a bowler declined, leading to his removal from the national team. He eventually retired from international cricket in February 2020 and later served as an Indian Cricketers Association representative on the IPL governing council.

Context

The Board of Control for Cricket in India manages national team selections through a committee of former players. These panels choose squads for international tours and home series based on domestic and international form.