Ramesh Rajaram Powar, a stocky offspinner from India, has made a name for himself in the world of cricket with his exceptional all-round skills. Known for his reliable offspin and handy batting, Powar has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket for the past four seasons.
Born on May 20, 1978, in Mumbai, Powar displayed his talent at an early age. He caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts when he played a crucial role in Mumbai’s victory in the Ranji Trophy during the 2002-03 season. Powar’s flighted deliveries claimed 20 wickets, proving to be a valuable asset to his team. However, it was his batting prowess that truly shone through, as he emerged as the second-highest run-scorer for Mumbai in the tournament. Despite batting as low as No. 10, Powar managed to accumulate an impressive tally of 418 runs at an average of over 46. Most notably, he showcased his ability to rally his team during difficult situations.
The selectors were quick to recognize Powar’s exceptional performances in domestic cricket, leading to his inclusion in the Indian squad for the tour to Pakistan. He made his mark as an offspinner and a batsman in the couple of one-day internationals he played. Notably, Powar fearlessly tossed the ball up on batting-friendly wickets, showcasing his combative attitude. He showed no hesitation in taking on the challenge of facing the formidable pace of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami. Powar exemplified the qualities of an ideal all-rounder, contributing significantly to both bowling and batting departments.
In 2006, Powar made his comeback to the national one-day side, armed with a new delivery – the drifter. This unique variation considerably enhanced his performance, leading to an impressive tally of 63 domestic wickets in the 2005-06 season, surpassing his previous season’s record of 54 wickets. As expected, Powar continued to impress with his batting skills, demonstrating his ability to contribute with the bat consistently.
While Powar continued to thrive on the cricket field, critics occasionally made disparaging remarks about his waistline. However, he confidently retorted, “I’ve never missed a game owing to fitness problems.” Fate, however, had other plans, and he suffered an ankle injury prior to the first two ODIs in the West Indies in June 2006, forcing him to miss the matches.
Despite the setback, Powar remained determined and resilient, constantly striving to improve his craft. His dedication and unwavering focus on the game have made him a respected figure in Indian cricket. With his consistent performances and all-round abilities, Powar has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
As of now, he continues to be an influential figure in cricket, inspiring young cricketers to excel in both bowling and batting. Ramesh Powar’s contributions to the game have solidified his place in Indian cricket history and will be remembered for years to come.
