🚨 NEW ROLE FOR PRAGYAN OJHA 🚨 Pragyan Ojha Likely to Become National Selector from South Zone

Ojha, who represented India across formats between 2008 and 2013, brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the modern game. Known for his left-arm orthodox spin, Ojha picked up more than 100 wickets in Test cricket and was part of several memorable Indian victories, including the 2013 home series win against Australia. His domestic career with Hyderabad and later Bengal, as well as his IPL stints with Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians, gave him exposure to varied conditions and some of the world’s best players.

Strong Credentials for the Role

After retiring from professional cricket, Ojha has remained actively involved with the sport. He currently serves as the president of the Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA), where he has worked extensively on player welfare and representation issues. His administrative experience, coupled with his playing background, positions him as an ideal candidate to contribute to India’s selection panel.

The National Selection Committee plays a critical role in shaping India’s cricketing future by scouting talent, picking squads for international assignments, and balancing the demands of various formats. With the game evolving rapidly and youngsters making strong impressions in domestic and franchise cricket, selectors are under increasing pressure to make the right calls. Ojha’s eye for talent and first-hand knowledge of challenges faced by players could prove valuable in this setup.

South Zone Representation

Traditionally, the BCCI ensures fair representation from all zones in the selection panel. With South Zone’s turn coming up, Ojha’s name has gained strong traction. If appointed, he would replace the outgoing representative and join the panel led by the Chief Selector. His inclusion would also continue the trend of former cricketers with recent international experience entering administrative roles, which helps bridge the gap between generations.

Reactions and Expectations

The news of Ojha’s potential appointment has been met with optimism from the cricketing fraternity. Many believe that having a former player who has closely seen the demands of international cricket in the modern era will help in making well-balanced decisions. Additionally, his stint in the IPL, where he shared dressing rooms with legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Adam Gilchrist, gives him insight into how global standards of cricket function.

If confirmed, Ojha will take up the responsibility of guiding Indian cricket at a crucial phase, with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the World Test Championship cycle underway. His decisions, alongside the rest of the panel, could shape the future of Indian cricket for years to come.

For now, all eyes remain on the BCCI’s official announcement. But one thing is certain—Pragyan Ojha’s journey from the 22-yard pitch to the selectors’ table is set to mark another significant chapter in his cricketing career.

Aug 22, 2025 6:03 AM