After tasting immense success as a player both in international cricket as well as in domestic cricket, Gautam Gambhir is all set to try his hand as a mentor for the first time in his career.
As per reports in The Times of India, the out of favour India opener is contemplating plying his trade as a mentor in the upcoming season of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Confirming the news, the left-handed batsman, who had played a pivotal role in India’s two World Cup wins, told the news outlet that he is in talks with quite a few franchises, but a final decision hasn’t been taken.
“Yes, I am in talks with a few franchises for a mentoring role,” Gambhir told Times of India.
However, he ruled out any possibility of playing in the league.
“This tournament is for up and coming Indian youngsters. It is a platform for the local talent. I don’t want to block a young talent by playing in TNPL,” Gambhir said.
Considering the fact that Gambhir has been trying to make a comeback in the Indian team, his decision to not play in the tournament looks quite interesting. The southpaw, who last played a One-Day International in 2013, was recalled in the Test team last year but was dropped soon after he failed to make the limited chances count. However, he was tipped by many to get a recall for the ICC Champions Trophy after his blistering form in this year’s Indian Premier League where he amassed 498 runs at an impressive average of 41.50 including four fifties to finish second in the highest run-scorers’ list.
However, he was once again left disappointed, as the selectors showed their faith in Shikhar Dhawan.
The reports further claimed that the Delhi star has submitted separate presentations to the franchisees he is in talks with. The two-time IPL-winning Kolkata Knight Riders skipper has also made it clear that he wants a more in-depth role.
“Mentoring in TNPL doesn’t mean that he is compromising on his playing career.But it will be a new experience for Gambhir and he is taking it as there are hardly any cricket engagements for him around that time. He will continue to play domestic cricket for Delhi, IPL and hopefully make a comeback into the Indian team,” a source in the know of things was quoted as saying by the outlet.
The TNPL, meanwhile, has already had attracted some big names of yesteryears like Lance Klusener, Robin Singh, Brett Lee and Michael Bevan. But if Gambhir joins the league as a mentor of any team, he will surely be the biggest attraction of the tournament till date.