Former Team India off-spinner Ramesh Powar has been appointed as the head coach of Mumbai for the upcoming season, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed. He succeeds Amit Pagnis, who stepped down following the team’s poor showing in the just-concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament, where Mumbai bowed out from the group stages.

The two Tests and 31 ODIs veteran has a fair knowledge having coached the Indian Women’s Team and working with spinners in Australia. However, he faced stiff competition from Mumbai legend Amol Mazumdar, who was backed by the office-bearers.

Ramesh Powar succeeds Amit Pagnis

However, Lalchand Rajput-led Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC), which looks after all matters relating to the game insisted on the 42-year-old Ramesh Powar. The decision eventually boiled down to former MCA and BCCI President Sharad Pawar whose suggestion is regarded as the final word in Mumbai cricket. The veteran administrator insisted that MCA should follow the constitution which broke the deal for the former international cricketer.

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Ramesh Powar has signed a contract for this season and it will be extended after evaluation of his performances. The former cricketer seemed extremely elated to join Mumbai and extended his gratitude to the MCA officials. Powar also said that he is looking forward to his first assignment which will be the Vijay Hazare Trophy which starts on February 20.

“I am grateful to the MCA and CIC for trusting my abilities. I am looking forward to creating a positive environment in the side and playing a positive brand of cricket for which Mumbai is always known. I am looking forward to the assignments ahead,” Powar told Cricbuzz.

Meanwhile, chief selector Salil Ankola said the team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be picked on Wednesday and also confirmed the availability of Shreyas Iyer. Mumbai will look to make a turnaround after their dismal outing in the domestic T20 competition.

“That’s what he has told us. It’s good for the team that Shreyas is available. Now that the coach issue has also been settled, we will pick the squad tomorrow (February 10),” the former India pacer said.