CHENNAI — In an intriguing cross-border coaching engagement, former India off-spinner and ex-national women’s team head coach Ramesh Powar joined the Australia Under-19 camp as a specialist consultant, mentoring the visitors’ slow bowlers ahead of their bilateral multi-format youth tour against India in Puducherry and Chennai.
Recognizing the steep learning curve non-subcontinental bowlers face on dry, spin-conducive Indian tracks, Cricket Australia tapped into Powar’s extensive tactical experience and regional understanding. The 46-year-old worked closely with Australia’s frontline youth spinners—focusing on adapting trajectory, varying release angles, managing loop, and developing effective game plans against Indian batters who are traditionally adept at using their feet.
Powar, who represented India in two Tests and 31 ODIs before compiling a distinguished domestic coaching resume with Mumbai, India Women, and domestic visual academies, conducted targeted masterclasses during the Aussies’ preparatory camp at the Centre of Excellence in Chennai. His drills focused heavily on patience, seam orientation, and learning how to exploit subtle surface variations across extended spells.
Speaking on the stint, the Australian team management highlighted the value of Powar’s hands-on tutelage, emphasizing that local mentorship accelerates young players’ technical growth far faster than theoretical preparation. Powar stressed to the Australian slow bowlers that succeeding in India requires mental resilience as much as technical skill—demanding that bowlers embrace being attacked without compromising their line and length.
This bilateral series serves as a critical developmental testing ground for both sides ahead of the next ICC Under-19 World Cup cycle. With Powar’s strategic input, the Australian camp aims to counter India’s formidable spin-heavy home advantage with sharper, more disciplined tactical awareness of their own.