Do I need protein powder?

Only if you struggle to hit protein targets from food. It's convenient, not magical. Whole foods provide additional nutrients that powders don't.

Powder is a convenience, not a requirement. If you already reach your target from dal, paneer, eggs, curd, soya and meat, it adds nothing.

It helps most when appetite is low, when travelling, or for vegetarians who struggle to hit higher targets without excess calories.