Photo via Hindustan Times

Ramesh Powar set to head BCCI junior selection committee but if Parthiv Patel talks fail, he could replace Ajit Agarkar

Ramesh Powar has emerged as the leading candidate to take charge of the BCCI's junior selection panel following the board's recent search to fill five committee spots. However, the former off-spinner could alternatively be drafted into the senior selection panel representing West Zone if ongoing negotiations regarding commercial terms with Parthiv Patel break down.

Such a scenario would open the door for current selector Pragyan Ojha to contend for the chief selector role, as incumbent Ajit Agarkar plans to step down when his current term concludes early next month.

Powar, who made two Test and 31 ODI appearances between 2004 and 2007, brings significant coaching credentials that include two tenures guiding the national women's squad, working as a spin mentor under VVS Laxman at the National Cricket Academy, and managing Gujarat in men's domestic cricket last season. Whomever takes the junior committee reins will oversee rosters up to the Under-22 level, manage talent scouting and developmental camps, appoint team captains and technical personnel, direct youth tournaments, and champion anti-corruption awareness.