The BCCI announced on 19 October 2026 that former India spinner Ramesh Powar has joined the men's selection committee, with Pragyan Ojha set to chair the panel following the exit of Ajit Agarkar. Ojha replaced Agarkar as chairman and is described as chief selector.

According to the BCCI, its Cricket Advisory Committee, made up of Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, screened and interviewed applicants for one selector's post at the board's headquarters. The committee unanimously recommended Powar for the vacancy. Ojha will chair the group on the basis of seniority, which the board defined as the most Tests played. The board also thanked Agarkar for his commitment, conviction and contribution as chairman.

The panel now consists of Ojha as chairperson, Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra and Powar. Powar brings considerable coaching experience, having served as head coach of the India Women's team, Mumbai and Gujarat, and as bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, according to the board. Ojha is 40 and played 24 Tests, and he and RP Singh joined the committee at the BCCI AGM on 28 September 2025.

Ojha had been interim chairman since Agarkar's tenure ended on 4 October. Applications for the vacancy closed on 14 October, and Parthiv Patel, who had been tipped for the job, did not apply. Ojha's Test appearances were the main reason he was expected to continue at the head of the committee.

Agarkar was appointed in July 2023. The BCCI said India won three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals under him. The ICC lists the three trophies as the T20 World Cups of 2024 and 2026 and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Agarkar told the board after its AGM on 18 September that he would not seek an extension.

The reasons cited for Agarkar's exit include the Rohit Sharma future saga and differences with VVS Laxman. The panel led by Ojha after Agarkar's departure picked the squad for the New Zealand T20Is, which included a comeback for Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

India play five T20Is in New Zealand from 22 October to 1 November. The opening match is at Christchurch on 22 October. The series comes just days after the BCCI confirmed the make-up of the selection committee that will oversee the men's team.