Powar was among those shortlisted with the incumbent WV Raman, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Ajay Ratra, Suman Sharma, Mamatha Maben, Hemalata Kala and Devieka Palshikaar being the others. The CAC, led by Madan Lal with Sulakshana Naik and RP Singh its members, chose to go ahead with Powar, whose tenure was terminated before Raman took over.
While Raman led India to the T20 World Cup title-clash last year, under Powar, the Indian team made the semi-final of the T20 World Cup in 2018 for the first time since 2010. However, after their exit, Powar's contract was not extended further over differences with some of the players in the side.
More recently, Powar was appointed the coach of Mumbai men’s team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He helped the team to the title, after Mumbai failed to get past the group stage in the preceding Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Powar's first assignment with the national side would be the upcoming tour of England, where India is set to play its first Test since 2014. The teams then play three ODIs and three T20Is, after the Test in Bristol. India are set to have a busy period in the lead up to the Women's World Cup next year, with series against West Indies, Australia and New Zealand in the offing.
According to the requirements stated by BCCI while advertising for the post, the applicant needed to have played international cricket and needed to be NCA Level C certified coach. Powar played two Tests and 31 ODIs for India and is an ECB Level 2 certified coach. He has also attended the NCA Level 2 coaching course.