File image of Former first-class cricketer Kiran Powar (Photo: imkiranpowar/meta)
Guwahati, April 21: Former first-class cricketer Kiran Powar who once represented Assam in domestic circuit has been appointed as the head coach of the State senior men's team, bringing with him a blend of domestic experience and established coaching credentials.
He said the decision to take up the role was influenced by his earlier interaction with the Assam Cricket Association (ACA), whose long-term vision left a strong impression on him during his visit with the Mumbai Under-23 team for the C.K. Nayudu Trophy.
Powar, a left-hand batter and off-spinner, has had a varied playing career across India's domestic circuit.
He represented Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy from 1997 to 2000 before turning out for Goa, Assam and Baroda in subsequent seasons.
Notably, he is among the few players to have represented multiple zones - West, South and East - in premier tournaments such as the Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy.
At the junior level, Powar captained Mumbai and West Zone sides and also led India Under-19 on a tour of Australia in the 1994-95 season.
He had earlier featured against a touring Australian Under-19 side that included future internationals Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds and Michael Hussey.
In first-class cricket, Powar scored 2,562 runs in 39 matches at an average of 42, including eight centuries, underlining his credentials as a dependable middle-order batter.
Transitioning into coaching, Powar holds Level A and B certifications from both the England and Wales Cricket Board and the BCCI's National Cricket Academy.
His coaching career includes stints as head coach of the Vidarbha state team and academy, where he guided the side's return to the elite group after a five-year gap.
He has also worked with Mumbai's age-group teams, served as a selector for Mumbai Ranji and Under-23 squads, and was associated with Gujarat Titans as a talent scout in the IPL.
More recently, he coached Mumbai's Under-23 side and the West Zone team in the Duleep Trophy.
His appointment is expected to bolster Assam's preparations in the domestic season, with the State side looking to enhance its performances under a new coaching set-up.
"With his (Kiran Powar) extensive playing and coaching experience, ACA is confident that his expertise will significantly contribute to the development and performance of the Assam Senior Men's Team," Assam Cricket Association said in a statement.
Sports Reporter (With inputs from PTI)