The selection committee for the Indian men’s team has appointed former Indian off-spinner Ramesh Pawar as its new member. Following a recommendation from the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), the BCCI has officially announced his name. Following this decision, former left-arm spinner Parag Aunapre (24 Test matches) will now serve as the new chairman (chief selector) of the selection committee for Test matches, based on his experience.

The CAC, comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjpye, conducted interviews with candidates at the BCCI’s headquarters in Mumbai, after which Pawar’s name was unanimously recommended. Pawar has joined the committee from the West Zone, succeeding former chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

Pawar played two Tests and 31 One Day Internationals for India. Since retiring from cricket, he has remained actively involved in coaching. In addition to serving as the head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team, he has also served as the head coach for Mumbai and Gujarat in domestic cricket. He has also served as the spin bowling coach at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. During his tenure, the Indian women’s team won the Asia Cup and secured a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games (2022).

The BCCI also commended the services of former chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Agarkar was appointed chairman of the selection committee in July 2023. During his tenure, the Indian team won three ICC trophies, two Asia Cups, and a gold medal at the Asian Games. According to BCCI regulations, the member with the most Test matches is appointed as the chairman of the selection committee. Earlier this week, former Indian opening batsman Wasim Jaffer had confirmed that he had applied for the position of selector. Had he been appointed, Jaffer, who played 31 Test matches, would have become the chairman of the selection committee.

In addition to Aunapre (chairman), the committee includes Shiv Sunder Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra, and Pawar.