3 names likely to replace Ajit Agarkar as India's chief selector

Ajit Agarkar's tenure as Chairman of the Senior Men's Selection Committee came to an end on October 4, 2026, after he chose not to seek an extension. He had been appointed to the role on July 4, 2023, replacing Chetan Sharma.

During his time in charge, Agarkar oversaw squads 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 applications for the vacancy, which must be filled by a candidate from the West Zone, with a submission deadline of October 14, 2026. Pragyan Ojha is currently serving as interim chairman of the selection committee.

1. Parthiv Patel

Parthiv Patel is widely regarded as the frontrunner for the West Zone vacancy on the senior men's selection panel. Multiple reports from as early as September 2026 identified him as the leading contender for the role. Patel played 25 Tests, 38 ODIs, and 2 T20Is for India, comfortably clearing the BCCI's eligibility threshold of a minimum of 7 Tests and 30 first-class matches, or 10 ODIs and 20 first-class matches, along with at least five years since 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. More recently, he has been involved with the Gujarat Titans IPL franchise in a scouting and coaching capacity.