Former India opener Wasim Jaffer and ex-India coach Ramesh Powar have applied for the vacant senior men's national selector post. The Cricket Advisory Committee, led by Ashok Malhotra, has interviewed both candidates for the vacancy left by former fast bowler Ajit Agarkar.

The BCCI is planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa and the next phase of the World Test Championship. The appointment will shape how the team identifies domestic talent and builds its squads, with interim chief selector Pragyan Ojha currently leading the committee.

Wasim Jaffer, Ramesh Powar Apply for Senior Selector Role

Wasim Jaffer has emerged as a leading candidate after interviewing with the CAC. Powar, who previously coached the Indian women's team, has also applied for the senior position. The CAC also interviewed Connor Williams and Jacob Martin.

Ajit Agarkar completed his tenure as the West Zone representative. The BCCI invited applications until October 14, with reports suggesting that Agarkar and the board did not renew their arrangement following disagreements over Rohit Sharma's selection.

Candidates must have played at least seven Tests, 30 first-class matches, or a combination of 10 ODIs and 20 first-class matches. They must also have retired from competitive cricket at least five years ago. Under the BCCI's Memorandum of Association, anyone who has served on a board committee for a cumulative five years is ineligible.

Wasim Jaffer Could Challenge Pragyan Ojha for Chairman's Role

Wasim Jaffer represented India in 31 Tests, scoring 1,944 runs at an average of 34.10, including five centuries and a highest score of 212. He also played two ODIs, scoring 10 runs. His 31 Test appearances exceed the 24 Tests played by interim chief selector Pragyan Ojha.

Under the established convention, the selection committee member with the most Test appearances becomes its chairman. If the CAC appoints Jaffer, his superior Test tally could make him the leading candidate for the chairmanship.

The current panel also includes former India players RP Singh, Ajay Ratra, and Shiv Sunder Das. Ojha has been leading the committee on an interim basis since Agarkar's departure. The new appointment will determine who heads the panel for upcoming international assignments.

Wasim Jaffer's Domestic Record and Ramesh Powar's Coaching Experience

Wasim Jaffer remains the highest run-scorer in Ranji Trophy history and holds the record for the most centuries in the competition. Across 260 first-class matches, he scored 19,410 runs at an average of 50.67, with 57 centuries and a highest score of 314 not out.

In List A cricket, he scored 4,849 runs in 118 matches at an average of 44.08, with 10 centuries. He also scored 616 runs in 23 T20 matches at a strike rate of 129.14, including six half-centuries.

Since retiring, Jaffer has worked as a coach with state teams, IPL franchises and international sides, including Bangladesh. He has also built a profile as a cricket pundit and YouTube content creator.

Powar brings international playing and coaching experience to the race. He was reportedly considered a leading candidate for the junior selection committee chairman's position but opted to apply for the senior vacancy. Former India pacer Dodda Ganesh has emerged as a likely contender for the junior role.