Kiran Powar appointed as Assam’s head coach for 2026-27 Ranji season

Former Mumbai and Baroda cricketer Kiran Powar has been named the head coach of Assam’s senior men’s team for the upcoming 2026-27 domestic season. The 50-year-old will take charge of the side in the prestigious Ranji Trophy, marking his first stint as a head coach at the senior level.

Powar, who has represented Mumbai, Baroda, and Assam during his playing career, brings valuable domestic experience to the role. He has scored close to 3500 runs across 71 matches in First-Class and List A cricket.

Notably, he is also the elder brother of former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar. Having previously served as the head coach of Mumbai’s U-23 side, Powar revealed that his interaction with the Assam setup during the CK Nayudu Trophy played a key role in his decision.

“I am delighted to be appointed as Assam Ranji team coach. Really looking forward towards working with them,” Powar was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

He further added that the vision of the Assam Cricket Association impressed him during his earlier visit with the Mumbai U-23 team.

“I was really impressed with their vision when I had come here as Mumbai U-23 coach,” he added.

Powar also expressed gratitude towards the Mumbai Cricket Association and its president Ajinkya Naik for their continued support.

“My sincere thanks to MCA and its president Ajinkya Naik, who backed me when lot of people were against me. I am leaving Mumbai with a heavy heart. Whatever I am today in life it is because of Mumbai Cricket,” he said.

During the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, Assam competed in Elite Group C and endured a mixed campaign. The side was involved in several closely fought encounters, with multiple matches ending in hard-earned draws that reflected both their resilience and inability to convert key moments into outright wins.

One of the most striking moments of their season came in a fixture against the Services, which turned into a historic outing. The match was completed in record time, going down as the shortest game in the tournament’s history, and became a major talking point of Assam’s campaign.