Former India spinner Ramesh Powar is in line to fill up one of the most sought-after vacancies in the Indian cricket scene. As per Cricbuzz's report, Powar has applied for the vacant seat in the BCCI's senior men's selection committee and is in the race to fill up the hotly contested spot. The former spinner is now the first choice to fill up the role left vacant by Ajit Agarkar, who was the chief selector.

Interim chief selector Pragyan Ojha, meanwhile, is expected to retain his position on a permanent basis. The new guard of the selection committee is expected to bring in fresh perspectives as the BCCI looks to fill up the vacancy and reshape the selection committee.

Ramesh Powar among candidates interviewed for BCCI selection panel

Agarkar's tenure as chief selector concluded on October 4, following which the BCCI invited applications to fill the vacant position on its senior men's selection committee. The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) subsequently conducted interviews on October 15, with four or five candidates reportedly considered for the role.

The list of candidates included former India opener Wasim Jaffer and former Baroda cricketers Connor Williams and Jacob Martin. However, reports suggest that the CAC has decided to favor Powar for a place on the senior selection panel.

Powar brings international playing experience and coaching credentials to the table. The former off-spinner represented India in two Test matches and 31 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He also served as the head coach of the Indian women's cricket team, giving him experience in player development and team management at the international level.

The former spinner had previously been considered a frontrunner for the chairman's position on the BCCI's junior men's selection committee and had also interviewed for the post. However, he is now reportedly set to join the senior panel instead.

Parthiv Patel opted against applying for chief selector's role

Last month, former India wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel was reportedly viewed as a leading contender to replace Agarkar. However, he eventually chose not to submit an application for the position, opening the door for other candidates to be considered.

Powar's expected inclusion in the senior selection committee could also affect the BCCI's plans for its junior selection setup. Reports suggest that former India pacer Dodda Ganesh could be considered for the chairman's role on the junior selection committee following the latest developments.

At the same time, the BCCI is reportedly planning to involve a representative from its Center of Excellence (CoE) in future selection committee meetings. VVS Laxman, who heads the Bengaluru-based facility, is expected to take up this responsibility.

Laxman reportedly participated in a virtual meeting on Friday during which decisions concerning India's Test and ODI squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand were discussed. His involvement is expected to help selectors access more detailed and updated information regarding players' fitness, injury status and availability before finalizing squads.

If the reported changes materialise, the BCCI's selection process could see greater coordination between the senior selection committee and the Center of Excellence. However, the appointments and proposed structural changes remain subject to official confirmation from the board.