The BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) reportedly quizzed the candidates for the one vacant spot in the men’s selection committee about questions on Rohit Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
According to Hindustan Times, the CAC, comprising former India internationals Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjpe, conducted the interviews virtually. They asked the candidates about their views on Rohit’s ODI future, which is not a surprise, for it was the sticking point that led to Ajit Agarkar’s departure as the chief selector.
Agarkar was expected to get an extension when his contract was due to end in October because he had delivered two World Cups and the 2027 ODI World Cup was only a year away. However, Agarkar decided to inform Rohit that he was no
longer part of his plans — a decision that the BCCI bosses didn’t agree with, leading to secretary Devajit Saikia publicly backing the veteran opener to continue.
Rohit did continue, and Agarkar, understanding that his powers would never be the same, decided against asking for an extension. The BCCI didn’t push for it either.
According to the report, the aspirants were also asked why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was not making the T20I playing 11 despite his talent, and how they would approach his future. Another question involved asking them about Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill’s possible replacements.
While several names from West Zone gave the interviews, former India opener Wasim Jaffer and former spinner Ramesh Powar are said to be the front-runners for the job. Jaffer is more experienced than Powar and has played more Tests than the current interim chief selector Pragyan Ojha and hence, if chosen by the CAC, he would automatically become the chief selector.
However, the BCCI is said to prefer Ojha continuing, which makes Powar the likelier choice.
