Ramesh Powar’s cricketing journey might not have the glitter of the big names, but his story is one that true fans of Indian cricket will remember fondly. While he may not have dominated headlines, his presence on the field, especially as a crafty off-spinner, left a lasting impression during his time in Indian cricket.
Powar’s rise began in 2000 when he was selected for the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, a testament to his early promise. Known for his right-arm off-spin and unique action, Powar quickly made a name for himself in domestic cricket, playing a crucial role in Mumbai’s 2002-03 Ranji Trophy triumph. His consistency was key, and it wasn’t long before he was noticed by the national selectors.
In 2004, Powar earned his first India call-up for the challenging tour of Pakistan. Though his time in the series was short-lived—playing just two matches—fans could see glimpses of the talent he brought to the game. After this brief stint, he found himself out of the team, but his journey was far from over.
In 2006, Powar made a comeback to the ODI side during a home series against England, where his performances showed flashes of brilliance. Unfortunately, injury struck at the wrong time, and with Anil Kumble returning to the fold, Powar was once again on the sidelines.
His international career never really took off after that, but he did manage a short stint in Test cricket. In 2007, he made his debut in the longer format against Bangladesh, where he claimed six wickets in two matches—a respectable performance, but not enough to secure a permanent spot.
In total, Powar played 31 ODIs for India, taking 34 wickets, but was never able to hold down a regular place in the team. His ability was there for all to see, but the opportunities never quite lined up for him at the international level.
Powar’s time in the Indian Premier League was more consistent, where he played for Kings XI Punjab in the first three seasons before moving to Kochi Tuskers Kerala and then returning to Punjab in 2012. Over the course of 27 IPL games, Powar took 13 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 7.42—solid numbers for a spinner in the T20 format. However, 2012 would mark the end of his IPL journey, and by 2015, Powar retired from all forms of cricket.
After his playing career, Powar shifted his focus to coaching, a field in which he found new success. In July 2018, he was appointed as the head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team, a significant achievement.
However, his tenure was marked by controversy, particularly during the 2018 World Twenty20, where a dispute with Mithali Raj led to her exclusion from the semi-final. This fallout saw the BCCI opt not to renew his contract after the tournament.
Despite this setback, Powar’s resilience shone through. He returned to coaching in February 2021, taking charge of Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign.
By May 2021, Powar was reappointed as the head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team, once again proving his determination and commitment to the sport.
In December 2022, Powar transitioned into a new role as the spin bowling coach at the National Cricket Academy, further contributing to Indian cricket off the field.
Ramesh Powar’s story is one of quiet determination. He may not have had the most celebrated career, but his contributions, both as a player and a coach, have been significant.
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