A right-handed
top-order batsman, Poddar appeared in 74 first-class matches playing for Bengal, Rajasthan, East Zone, Central Zone. He played unofficial
Tests for India and also appeared for Rest of India in Irani Cup and Board President's team in tour games. In January 1964, playing for Board President's XI, Poddar scored 100
not out against a
Marylebone Cricket Club bowling attack consisting of
John Price,
Jeff Jones,
Barry Knight,
John Mortimore and
Donald Wilson. Poddar appeared in two Ranji finals, both during his three-year stint with Rajasthan. He was the third-highest run-getter of the
1970–71 Ranji Trophy scoring 562 runs at an average of 70.25, with a top-score of 199
run out in Bengal's quarterfinal match against Vidarbha. He captained Bengal in a few matches during his career and retired after the 1976/77 season. After retirement, Poddar worked for the
Board of Control for Cricket in India as a Talent Resource Development Officer (TRDO) of the
Talent Resource Development Wing. Poddar is credited as the man who "discovered"
Mahendra Singh Dhoni during a match in 2003. Poddar wrote his observations about Dhoni, "Good striker of the ball; has a lot of power but needs to work on his wicket-keeping. Technically not very good. Is very good at running between wickets." He recommended Dhoni to the
National Cricket Academy, and Dhoni went on to play for
India A in 2003/04 and then for the
national team. Poddar was TRDO for just one year. ==References==