Kiran Powar Takes Helm as Assam Senior Cricket Team Head Coach
The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) has officially appointed former first-class batter and seasoned coach Kiran Powar as the new head coach of the Assam senior cricket team for the upcoming two seasons. This strategic move aims to bolster the team's performance following a challenging previous season.
Powar's Journey to Assam
Powar, who served as the head coach of the Mumbai Under-23 team last season, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. "I had applied for the Assam head coach's job with the ACA, and they immediately invited me over for an interview," Powar stated from Guwahati. "I flew down to Guwahati yesterday. They were impressed by me and were very keen that I take up the job."
The ACA officials were reportedly influenced by positive feedback from Mumbai's cricketing circles, describing Powar as a tough, no-nonsense professional. "They want someone like me as the Assam head coach. I'm really thankful to them for giving me this opportunity," he added.
Assam's Cricket Infrastructure and Plans
Powar highlighted the ACA's ambitious projects, including plans already in place for the 2026-27 season and the construction of India's largest indoor cricket academy in Guwahati. This development underscores the association's commitment to enhancing cricket infrastructure in the region.
Assam, the home state of BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, failed to progress to the knockouts in any domestic tournaments last season. The team has seen recent coaching changes, with former India player Noel David as head coach in the 2025 season and split coaching in 2024-25, where Vivek Jaisimha handled red-ball tournaments and RX Murali oversaw shorter formats.
Powar's Cricket Career and Coaching Background
The 50-year-old Powar brings a rich playing and coaching history to the role. He played 39 first-class games, scoring 2,562 runs at an average of 42 and taking 10 wickets. His coaching career spans nearly a decade, starting as the Vidarbha Under-19 team's head coach for two years.
Subsequently, Powar served in various capacities:
- Batting coach at the Mumbai Cricket Association's academy in BKC
- Mumbai Under-16 head coach
- Mumbai senior team selector
- West Zone head coach in the Duleep Trophy last season
- Member of the MCA's Apex Council as a representative of the Indian Cricketers Association
Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations
Powar expressed mixed emotions about leaving Mumbai, stating, "I'm leaving Mumbai with a heavy heart and would like to serve it again in the future." He extended gratitude to Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Naik for his support, especially in appointing him as Mumbai U-23 coach despite opposition.
In addition to his coaching role, Powar recently announced plans to launch a world-class multi-sports facility near Mumbai and Pune. Located in Khopoli and spread across 55 acres, this facility aims to nurture young talent while promoting recreational sports and active lifestyles.
As Powar embarks on this new chapter, his appointment signals a fresh direction for Assam cricket, with hopes of improved performances in domestic competitions over the next two seasons.
