Former India and Mumbai off-spinner
Powar, who joined the Australian camp on Saturday, is scheduled to remain with the team until the conclusion of their final Youth ODI against India this Wednesday. The appointment follows a direct request from Cricket Australia, who reached out to the former international several months ago to facilitate this mentorship program.
Building on Previous Coaching Experience
This engagement marks another chapter in Powar's coaching career, which includes a previous stint assisting Australian spinners at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane back in June 2018. Reflecting on the current assignment, Powar noted that his familiarity with the Australian setup made the collaboration a natural fit. He confirmed that he had committed to the four-day stint well in advance, viewing it as an opportunity to share his technical expertise with the next generation of talent.
The Australian U-19 side is currently in the midst of a competitive series against India. The opening Youth ODI, held last Friday, resulted in a narrow seven-run victory for the Indian side. The remaining two fixtures of the series are scheduled to take place on Monday and Wednesday, providing the young Australian spinners with immediate opportunities to implement the guidance provided by Powar.
Professional Background and Future Aspirations
Beyond his current consultancy, Powar brings a wealth of domestic and international coaching experience to the role. He previously served as the head coach of the India women's national team and guided the Mumbai state side to a Vijay Hazare Trophy title in March 2021. Furthermore, he spent the last three seasons serving as the head coach for Gujarat.
As he balances these coaching commitments, Powar is also looking toward a potential role within the national cricket structure. He has formally applied for the position of a junior selector with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). According to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the board is currently in the process of shortlisting candidates for the role, with interviews expected to be conducted by the Cricket Advisory Committee within the next fortnight.
