MUMBAI: Kiran Powar, a former first-class batsman and an experienced coach, has been named the new head coach of Assam’s senior men’s team for the next two seasons. Powar arrives at the job after serving as head coach of the Mumbai Under-23 side last year. The appointment is also notable because Assam is the home state of BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
Speaking from Guwahati on Monday, Powar said he applied for the Assam head-coach role and was contacted almost immediately for an interview. He added that he flew to the city the day before and felt the decision-makers were quick to show confidence in him. Powar explained that officials from the Assam Cricket Association had heard positive feedback about his approach from the Mumbai cricketing community, describing him as someone known for being firm, straightforward, and focused. He said the association wanted a coach with exactly that mindset and thanked them for giving him the opportunity. Powar also pointed to the ACA’s planning for the 2026-27 season, saying that work for the coming cycle is already underway. He further noted that the association is building what he described as India’s largest indoor cricket academy in Guwahati.
Powar admitted the move comes with mixed feelings as he prepares to leave Mumbai. He expressed a desire to continue contributing to the game in the future, while also offering special gratitude to Ajinkya Naik, the president of the Mumbai Cricket Association. Powar said Naik’s continued backing helped him secure the chance to coach the Mumbai U-23 team, despite opposition from some quarters.
On the domestic front, Assam did not manage to reach the knockout stage of any of the tournaments last season. During the 2025 campaign, the team was led by former India player Noel Davoid as head coach. In the 2024-25 season, Assam had used a split-coaching structure: Vivek Jaisimha handled the senior men’s head-coach role for the red-ball competitions, while RX Murali took charge for the shorter-format assignments.
Powar’s playing record adds weight to his coaching credentials. The 50-year-old represented the first-class circuit in 39 matches, scoring 2,562 runs at an average of 42. He also picked up 10 wickets during his career.
Beyond coaching duties, Powar has also recently announced plans to launch a multi-sports project near Mumbai and Pune. He said the facility will come up in Khopoli, covering 55 acres, with the aim of nurturing young talent while encouraging recreational sports and promoting active lifestyles.
Powar’s coaching journey began nearly a decade ago when he took charge as head coach of the Vidarbha Under-19 team for two years. After that, he moved into the role of batting coach at the Maharashtra Cricket Association’s academy at BKC, followed by a stint as Mumbai Under-16 head coach. He has also worked as a selector for Mumbai’s senior team and served as West Zone head coach in the Duleep Trophy last season. Additionally, Powar is a member of the MCA’s Apex Council, representing the Indian Cricketers Association (ICA).
