Praveen Kumar from Uttar Pradesh has applied to be a member of the BCCI junior selection committee. After the BCCI announced five junior selector positions on August 24, 2026, a number of former cricket players applied, including the 39-year-old right-arm swing bowler who retired from all cricket in 2018.

Praveen Kumar represented India in six Test matches, sixty-eight One-Day Internationals, and ten Twenty20 Internationals, establishing himself as one of the country’s most dependable swing bowlers under favourable conditions. He explained his decision to apply by mentioning his experience as a selector for the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association and his engagement in tutoring after retiring.

The present committee, led by S Sharath, will be replaced by a new junior selection panel, with five posts open across the country’s zones.

What made Praveen Kumar decide to apply for the role of junior selector?

Praveen Kumar’s motivation is to return to the game after a sabbatical from it. He appears to be confident in his ability to make a substantial contribution at the national junior level due to his dual competence in coaching and state-level selection at UPCA.

His playing history provides important context. Kumar concluded the 2011 England tour with 15 wickets, including 5/106 at Lord’s, making him India’s leading wicket-taker. In addition, he claimed ten wickets in four games as India won the 2008 CB Series in Australia, demonstrating his ability to deliver in situations that tested discipline and technique. These performances demonstrate the type of knowledge a junior selector could bring to the role regarding swing bowling and international conditions.

Praveen Kumar worked in domestic cricket administration through UPCA before applying for a national job, gaining practical experience with the state-level selection process.

Has anyone applied for the BCCI junior selector positions?

Kumar is not the only one hoping to join the restructured junior selection committee. Ashish Winston Zaidi and Sudeep Tyagi, who represented India in four ODIs and one T20I from the Central Zone, have also applied alongside Kumar.

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The West Zone aspirants include former Mumbai batsman Manoj Joglekar and former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar. The BCCI has yet to confirm a shortlist or announce the dates of interviews or final selections.

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