No Agarkar in selection committee's meeting with Gambhir during West Indies series, Pragyan Ojha takes charge

The chairman of the men's cricket selection committee, Ajit Agarkar was missing from the meeting in Guwahati with head coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of the second ODI of the series against West Indies. In Agarkar's absence, Pragyan Ojha took charge as interim head of the selection committee until and new head is appointed.

The selection committee which also features Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra and RP Singh held discussions with Gambhir while the players underwent training session on the eve of the second ODI. Reportedly, the selectors had a discussion over India’s tour of New Zealand which features five T20Is, as many ODIs and two Tests. The T20I series commences on October 22, less than a week after the conclusion of five-T20I series against West Indies.

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It is not clear whether Ojha will take over as selection committee chief as there have been reports of Parthiv Patel being considered for the role.

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“You never know anything might happen in the BCCI. But Ojha looks an acceptable candidate for everyone,” a source told Cricbuzz.

Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had an informal meeting with the selectors as well. Earlier, Saikia had clarified why Agarkar wasn’t able to attend BCCI’s review meeting virtually or in-person a few weeks ago. The former India pacer’s contract as chairman of selectors expires on October 4.

Pandya’s replacement discussed

It is also believed that the selectors had a discussion about Hardik Pandya as well. The all-rounder has been out of India A's squad which was scheduled to play a three One-Day series against Australia A in Puducherry starting October 6. His replacement was likely discussed. However, it is not clear whether the announcement will be made immediately or a few days later.

Selection committee on the watch this week

After the meeting, Ojha will now head to Srinagar for the Irani Trophy which will commence on October 1. Meanwhile, Das and Ratra are expected to head to Puducherry where India A is playing Australia A in the second unofficial Test. Also, RP Singh is expected to travel with the Indian ODI side to Chandigarh for the third and final ODI of the series which will be played on October 3.