Former first-class cricketer Kiran Powar has been appointed as the head coach of the Assam men’s team for the 2026–27 domestic season, a development that has drawn attention across Guwahati’s cricketing circles. The announcement was confirmed on April 21, marking a key step for Assam cricket ahead of the upcoming season.
Powar, who has previously represented Assam during his playing career, now returns in a leadership role as the team looks to strengthen its performance in domestic tournaments.
Kiran Powar has been appointed as the head coach of the Assam men’s cricket team for the 2026–27 season, bringing experience from domestic cricket and grassroots coaching. The move is being closely followed in Guwahati, a key centre for Assam cricket.
New Leadership for Assam Cricket
The appointment is seen as significant for Assam’s cricket ecosystem, with Guwahati being the primary hub for training and matches.
- Powar will oversee team preparation and strategy
- Focus on improving domestic performance
- Expected to work closely with players training in Guwahati
Coaching Experience and Background
Powar brings experience from youth and development-level cricket:
- Coached the Mumbai Under-23 team in the previous season
- Involved in grassroots player development
- Known for working with emerging talent
His exposure to structured cricket systems is expected to benefit Assam’s squad.
Connection with Assam and Guwahati
Powar has previously played for Assam, giving him familiarity with the state’s cricket structure.
He said his decision was influenced by:
- Interaction with the Assam Cricket Association (ACA)
- Impressions formed during his visit to Guwahati with the Mumbai U-23 team
- ACA’s long-term vision for cricket development
Strong Domestic Playing Career
Powar had a diverse career across multiple teams:
- Played for Mumbai, Goa, Assam, and Baroda
- Featured in major tournaments like the Ranji Trophy
- Represented multiple zones in the Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy
Career highlights:
- 2,562 runs in 39 first-class matches
- Average of 42 with 8 centuries
- Nearly 3,500 runs across formats
Leadership and Early Career Highlights
- Captained Mumbai and West Zone at the junior level
- Led the India U-19 team during the Australia tour (1994–95)
- Played against future international players like Brett Lee and Michael Hussey
Why This Matters for Guwahati
As the centre of Assam cricket, Guwahati plays a key role in:
- Hosting domestic matches
- Training and development of players
- Strategic planning through the ACA
Powar’s appointment is expected to influence the city’s cricketing ecosystem directly.
What Happens Next
- Powar will begin preparations for the 2026–27 domestic season
- Training and team-building activities are likely to intensify in Guwahati
- Performance in upcoming tournaments will be closely watched
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kiran Powar?
He is a former first-class cricketer who has played for multiple teams, including Assam, and has now been appointed as head coach.
Why is his appointment important for Guwahati?
Guwahati is the hub of Assam cricket, and his coaching role will directly impact training, team performance, and player development in the city.