Uttar Pradesh’s Praveen Kumar has submitted an application for a post on the BCCI junior selection committee. The 39-year-old right-arm swing bowler, who retired from all cricket in 2018, is among several former cricketers who have put their names forward after the BCCI opened five junior selector positions on August 24, 2026.
Kumar represented India in 6 Tests, 68 ODIs and 10 T20Is across a career that established him as one of the country’s more dependable swing bowlers in helpful conditions. Since retiring, he has been involved in coaching and previously served as a selector for the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, experience he cited when explaining his decision to apply.
“Yes, I have applied for the junior selection committee. I have retired, and I wanted to contribute to cricket. I have done coaching before, and I was a selector in UPCA earlier, so I thought of applying,” Praveen Kumar was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
The new junior selection panel is set to replace the existing committee headed by S Sharath, with five posts available across the country’s zones.
Why did Praveen Kumar decide to apply for the junior selector role?
Kumar’s stated motivation centres on a desire to give back to the game after stepping away from playing. His dual background in coaching and state-level selection at UPCA appears to have given him confidence that he can contribute meaningfully at the national junior level.
His playing record offers relevant context. Kumar was India’s leading wicket-taker on the 2011 England tour, finishing the series with 15 wickets, including a return of 5/106 at Lord’s. He also claimed 10 wickets across four matches as India lifted the 2008 CB Series title in Australia, demonstrating his capacity to perform in conditions that tested technique and discipline. Those performances underline the kind of knowledge of swing bowling and overseas conditions that a junior selector might bring to the role.
Kumar’s application follows a period of involvement in domestic cricket administration through UPCA, which gives him a working understanding of the selection process at the state level before seeking a national appointment.
Who else has applied for the BCCI junior selector posts?
Kumar is not alone in seeking a place on the reconstituted junior selection committee. From Central Zone, Sudeep Tyagi, who represented India in 4 ODIs and 1 T20I, and Ashish Winston Zaidi have both submitted applications alongside Kumar.
From West Zone, former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar and former Mumbai batsman Manoj Joglekar are among those who have applied. The BCCI is yet to confirm a shortlist or announce when interviews or final selections will take place.
