Who Are the Five Candidates Interviewed for the Cricket Selector’s Role?

Five former Indian cricket players have been interviewed to fill the vacant position on the senior men’s selection committee, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) looking to fill the spot that is left open after Ajit Agarkar, the former chairman of the selection committee decided to opt out of the contact renewal after it expired on October 4 this year.

According to The Hindu, the Cricket Advisory Committee, which consists of Ashok Malhotra, and Jatin Paranjpe, interviewed three former players from Mumbai, including Wasim Jaffer, Salil Ankola and Ramesh Powar. They also interviewed two players from Baroda Connor Williams and Jacob Martin on October 15.

Apart from Williams, whose only test appearance in India colours, which was later deemed to be an abandoned match, the other four candidates have represented India in international test matches. Salil Ankola, in particular, brings experience of being on the selection committee, as he was part of Ajit Agarkar’s selection panel that picked the squad for 2024 T20 World Cup, which India won. After a two-year hiatus, he is looking forward to being on the five-member selection panel.

One of Mumbai’s most prolific batters, Wasim Jaffer, who is also the highest run getters in Ranji Trophy history is the most decorated candidate in terms of test appearances; he has 31 caps to his name. Should he get the nod from the CAC members to be on the selection committee, he would automatically become the chairman because BCCI rules stipulate the member with the highest test appearances heads the panel.

However, rumours have been rife that Powar is considered to be the front-runner to take over Ajit Agarkar as the chairman. The former off-spinner from Mumbai who has also coaching experience was initially approached to apply for the junior selection committee vacancy before being elevated to the senior role.