Former India pacer all set to replace Chetan Sharma as Chairman of Selection Committee  

Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad is the frontrunner to replace Chetan Sharma as the new selection committee chairman. Former selection committee chairman Chetan Sharma, who was sacked by BCCI is likely to continue in the selection committee as a representative from North Zone. Former India pacer Salil Ankola will be vying for the post from West Zone along with Ajit Agarkar. Another ex-India opener Shiv Sundar Das is likely to be the selector from East Zone. Harvinder Singh is also likely to continue in his post from Central Zone. The formal announcement is likely to be made soon.

The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) will be meeting on Thursday to shortlist candidates. The new committee will pick the squad for the New Zealand series at home.

It is learnt BCCI has received close to 600 applications for the five vacant posts. The board has received some fake emails with namesakes of MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag. The CAC comprises of former cricketers Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjpe and Sulakshana Naik. The CAB is supposed to shortlist the new members of selection committee. CAC members will then meet BCCI officials on Friday to finalise the shortlist and begin the interview process.

Former Karnataka and India pacer Venkatesh Prasad is the frontrunner to replace Chetan Sharma as the selection committee chairman. He has played 33 tests and 161 ODIS and is more experienced than Chetan Sharma

Current chairman of selection committee Chetan Sharma is likely to keep his place in selection committee. With not many strong candidates, Chetan despite being sacked by the BCCI is set to continue. Whether he will remain the chairman will depend on Venkatesh Prasad’s selection.

Former India all rounder Ajit Agarkar and Salil Ankola have both thrown their hats for the post of selector from West Zone. But with Agarkar showing less interest, Salil Ankola can be picked from West Zone.

Ex India opener Shib Sundar Das is likely to replace his state teammate Debashish Mohanty from East Zone while Harvinder Singh is likely to retain his place from Central Zone.