Pragyan Ojha Appointed Interim Chief Selector for Indian Cricket Team
Transition in Indian Cricket Selection
Pragyan Ojha, a former cricketer for India, is poised to step in as the interim chief selector, succeeding Ajit Agarkar, as reported by sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This change comes as the BCCI prepares to refresh its senior selection panel, marking the end of Agarkar's term in this role.
Overview of Pragyan Ojha's Cricket Journey
Ojha's last appearance in international cricket was in 2013, coinciding with the retirement match of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar at Wankhede Stadium. In that match, he took ten wickets and earned the Player of the Match award.
Throughout his career, Ojha participated in 24 Test matches, 18 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and six T20 Internationals, accumulating a total of 144 wickets. In Test cricket, he secured 113 wickets, boasting a personal best of 6 for 47.
His most recent competitive outing was in 2018 during a first-class match in Dehradun. Ojha also made a significant impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for teams like the Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians, and was instrumental in the Deccan Chargers' victory in 2009.
Ajit Agarkar's Final Role
Agarkar's last responsibility as chief selector involved the selection of the Indian team for the ongoing ODI series against the West Indies. Currently, India is engaged in a three-match ODI series against the West Indies, with the concluding match set for Saturday.
India's Upcoming Tours
After the series against the West Indies, India will embark on a tour to New Zealand, where the India A team will compete in three Test matches. This will be followed by the senior team's T20I, ODI, and Test matches. The tour is scheduled from October 22 to November 27, starting with a five-match T20I series in Christchurch.
The T20I series will be succeeded by a five-match ODI series commencing in Auckland on November 4. The tour will wrap up with a two-Test series, with matches slated for Wellington and Christchurch starting November 19.