Calcutta: Former wicketkeeper-batsman MSK Prasad has been chosen to succeed Sandeep Patil as the chairman of the national selection committee. The decision was taken at the 87th annual general meeting in Mumbai.

Prasad had been part of the previous selection panel headed by Patil since November last year. Former India opener Devang Gandhi has been chosen on the panel from East Zone. Former off-spinner Sarandeep Singh, former batsmen Gagan Khoda and Jatin Paranjpe were the other selectors named in the five-member committee.

"It's a matter of great pride and honour... I would like to thank the BCCI for giving me such an important job," Devang told The Telegraph on Wednesday.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge. Most of the members are young and vibrant... I have played with most of the guys and know them well. That will help us a lot.

"With Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli as captains along with Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid as chief coaches of senior and A teams, the BCCI has put a fantastic structure in place. We have like-minded people to take Indian cricket forward. As a selector our job will be to complement this core team.

"Thirteen Tests in a season against big teams is crucial. We have to take it step by step. The idea will be ensure that we attain No.1 ranking in all formats," Devang explained.

"One needs to be diligent with his homework and for that you have to have a fair knowledge about domestic cricket. I have watched a lot of domestic matches. It helped me keep a tab on who are the performers in national circuit."

Former India seamer Venkatesh Prasad was retained as chairman of the junior selection committee. Incidentally former pacer has far more experience than the senior selection committee chairman.

The other members of the junior selection panel are Rakesh Parikh, Aashish Kapoor, Amit Sharma and Gyanendra Pandey.

The women's selection panel comprises Hemlata Kala (chairperson), Shashi Gupta, Anjali Pendharkar, Lopamudra Banerjee and Sudha Shah.