Gautam Gambhir eyeing a mentor role in the TNPL-2

Gautam Gambhir has excelled in all the formats that he has taken part as a player in the past, winning the World Cup twice and winning the IPL twice in his glorious career thus far. The southpaw is all set to take part in the second season of the Tamil Nadu Premier League, albeit in a new role as a mentor this time around.

The southpaw is looking forward to the TNPL-2, where he would don the role of a mentor. The first edition of the TNPL was a huge success, with many a player being sold to various IPL franchises in the tenth edition of the tournament. The likes of T Natarajan and Aswin Christ have emerged post their accolades in the local tournament.

The former Indian opener has told that he is in talks with a few franchises, although they have not come up to a final conclusion. “Yes, I am in talks with a few franchises for a mentoring role,” Gambhir told TOI from New Delhi.

The reason behind the mentor role

However, Gambhir has made it sure that he would not be taking part in the league as a player, stating that the league is for youngsters to grab an opportunity to represent their skills on one of the biggest platforms in Tamil Nadu. “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,” he added.

As per the reports, Gambhir has already submitted separate presentations to the franchises that he was in talks with. The southpaw wants an in-depth role as a mentor and not the decorated role that is for the promotions of the team. In the past season, there have been several former overseas players who have been involved in the league as coaches and mentors. Gambhir would not only be the biggest name amongst the group but also would be helpful for the development of the players.

“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 close to the developments said.

Gambhir would want to take this opportunity to be active amongst the cricketing circuit in the off-season.