Published: October 19, 2026
Former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar has been appointed as a member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Men's Selection Committee, marking a new chapter in his long association with Indian cricket. The BCCI officially announced the appointment on October 19, 2026, following a selection process conducted by its Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).
Powar brings international playing experience and extensive coaching expertise to the selection panel. He has previously served as head coach of the Indian women's cricket team, coached domestic sides Mumbai and Gujarat, and worked as a bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The appointment gives him a new responsibility in the process of identifying and selecting players for India's senior men's team.
BCCI Confirms Ramesh Powar's Appointment
According to the BCCI's official announcement, the Cricket Advisory Committee, comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, reviewed applications and interviewed candidates at the BCCI headquarters. Following the selection process, the committee unanimously recommended Powar for the vacant position.
The vacancy arose after Ajit Agarkar's tenure as chairman of the men's selection committee came to an end. The BCCI also expressed its appreciation for Agarkar's contributions during his time in the role.
The board further confirmed that former India spinner Pragyan Ojha would chair the selection committee based on seniority, determined by the number of Test matches played.
Who Is Ramesh Powar?
Ramesh Powar is a former Indian international cricketer known for his off-spin bowling. Born on May 20, 1978, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, he represented India in international cricket and built a substantial career in domestic cricket before moving into coaching.
Although his international playing career was relatively short, Powar remained involved in the game through coaching assignments and player development. His experience across men's and women's cricket has given him exposure to different playing conditions, team structures and talent-identification challenges.
His appointment to the men's selection committee brings that experience into the national selection process.
Ramesh Powar's International Cricket Career
Powar represented India in two Test matches and 31 One Day Internationals (ODIs).
His international career included opportunities to contribute as a specialist spin bowler in India's bowling attack. His domestic performances and understanding of spin bowling helped establish his reputation in Indian cricket.
After retiring from international cricket, Powar continued to contribute to the sport through coaching and mentoring roles, eventually taking up responsibilities at both state and national levels.
Coaching Experience: From India Women to Domestic Cricket
One of Powar's most significant coaching assignments was with the Indian women's cricket team. During his time as head coach, he helped guide the team to an Asia Cup title and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.
He has also worked with Mumbai and Gujarat in domestic cricket, gaining experience in assessing players and developing competitive teams.
Additionally, Powar served as a bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. This role provided further exposure to player development and the technical aspects of preparing cricketers for higher levels of competition.
These experiences could prove valuable in evaluating players who are performing in domestic tournaments and assessing their readiness for international cricket.
New Men's Selection Committee
Following the BCCI announcement, the men's selection committee comprises:
Pragyan Ojha — Chairperson
Shiv Sundar Das
RP Singh
Ajay Ratra
Ramesh Powar
The committee is responsible for selecting India's senior men's squads for international assignments, subject to the BCCI's established procedures and relevant team-management requirements.
What Does Powar's Appointment Mean for Indian Cricket?
Powar's appointment adds a selector with experience in international cricket, domestic coaching and the development of spin bowlers. His background could be particularly useful when assessing players competing for places in India's senior team.
1. Greater Focus on Domestic Performances
Selectors must assess players across domestic competitions, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Powar's experience with domestic teams could help him evaluate performances in context rather than relying only on statistics.
2. Assessing Spin-Bowling Talent
India has a long tradition of producing high-quality spin bowlers. Powar's background as an off-spinner and bowling coach may help inform discussions about the skills, consistency and suitability of spinners for different formats and conditions.
3. Long-Term Squad Planning
Selection involves balancing established international players with emerging talent. The committee must consider current form, fitness, role requirements, performance across formats and future team needs.
Powar's coaching experience could contribute to these discussions, although final selection decisions will be made collectively by the committee.
4. Experience Across Different Teams
Having worked with both men's and women's teams, Powar has experience in different competitive environments. This broader coaching background may help him assess player development, team balance and performance under pressure.
Pragyan Ojha to Chair the Selection Panel
Alongside Powar's appointment, the BCCI confirmed Pragyan Ojha as chairperson of the men's selection committee based on seniority in Test cricket.
Ojha's elevation follows the end of Ajit Agarkar's tenure. The updated panel brings together former international cricketers with experience in different roles and playing specialties.
The committee will now be responsible for making selection decisions as India continues its international schedule and prepares for future tournaments.
Ajit Agarkar's Tenure Comes to an End
The BCCI acknowledged Agarkar's contribution as chairman of the men's selection committee. Appointed in July 2023, Agarkar led the panel through a significant period for Indian cricket, including major ICC tournament victories and other international successes.
With his departure, the board has reconstituted the selection panel and appointed new leadership.
What Happens Next?
Powar's immediate responsibility will be to participate in the selection committee's work, which includes assessing player performances, discussing squad balance and selecting teams for upcoming international assignments.
The impact of his appointment will become clearer through the committee's future decisions. His playing and coaching background provides relevant experience, but the success of any selection panel ultimately depends on the quality of its collective judgement and the performance of the teams it selects.
Conclusion
Ramesh Powar's appointment to the BCCI Men's Selection Committee is a significant development in his cricketing career. From representing India as an off-spinner to coaching domestic teams and the national women's side, he has built experience in several areas of the game.
As part of a five-member selection panel chaired by Pragyan Ojha, Powar will help evaluate players and make decisions that shape India's senior men's team. Cricket followers will watch how the reconstituted committee approaches squad selection, emerging talent and India's future international campaigns.
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