Agarkar, Chetan and Maninder in fray

However, Ajit Agarkar, who has 231 international matches (26 Tests, 191 ODIs and 4 T20Is) to his name, could be the front-runner for the chairman’s post in case he decides to re-apply for the selector’s job. While Agarkar couldn’t be contacted for a comment, it has been learnt that he would throw his hat in the ring. His credentials for the top job will be difficult to ignore considering his vast international experience.

Although the BCCI has officially got rid of the zonal system, it is highly unlikely that two people from the same zone will be kept in the panel. Sunil Joshi from South Zone (84 international games -- 15 Tests and 69 ODIs) was the chairman while the Central Zone is represented by Harvinder Singh.

But, some of the applicants in the fray have more international matches than Joshi, who will then have to relinquish his post as per the Lodha Committee rule.

“Yes, I have applied for the selector’s post. I have no issues being an ordinary member of the panel. My main aim is to serve Indian cricket,” Chetan, who played 88 international games, told PTI on Sunday.

Another big name who has applied from North Zone is former left-arm spinner Maninder (94 games -- 35 Tests and 59 ODIs). Das, a dogged opener with 1,326 runs in 23 Tests, is a clear favourite from East Zone. There were rumours that former India seamer Subroto Banerjee will apply from East Zone, but it is confirmed that “he will not apply” for the job.

An interesting candidate is former Bengal pacer Ranadeb Bose, who is currently the state team’s bowling coach. Ranadeb featured in 91 first-class and 82 List A games.