IPL 2022: Gautam Gambhir appointed mentor of Lucknow franchise

In what can be called a major development, Lucknow franchise has roped in Gautam Gamhir as mentor ahead of the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The cricketer-turned-politician will join forces with former Zimbabwe cricketer Andy Flower, who has been finalized head coach of the side. The two-time IPL-winning captain was a prolific performer in the competition and his numbers are impressive as well.

Having made his last IPL appearance in 2018, Gambhir has also been a vocal analyst of the league and expectations are sky-high from him. Meanwhile, Gambhir has reportedly been sharing a great rapport with Sanjiv Goenka, owner of the franchise and their cricketing association has been long planned. The former Indian international has been part of the preparation for the Lucknow team for quite some time.

Gautam Gambhir, Vijay Dahiya join Andy Flower in Lucknow team support staff

Meanwhile, Goenka confirmed Gambhir’s appointment on Saturday (December 18). “Yes, we have taken him,” Goenka was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. Speaking of Gambhir and Goenka’s association, one of their common friends said: “Once the team was bought by Mr Goenka, the relationship became formal and professional.”

Alongside Gambhir, his former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate Vijay Dahiya, has also joined the  franchise’s support staff. The former Indian wicketkeeper, who is currently the head coach of Uttar Pradesh state team, is likely to join as the assistant coach. Meanwhile, Gambhir and Dahiya are set to assist Flower, who’s excited to work with the new IPL team.

“I am incredibly excited to be joining the new Lucknow franchise and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Since my very first tour to India in 1993, I have always loved touring, playing and coaching in India,” Flower was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

“The passion for cricket in India is unrivalled and it is a real privilege to lead an IPL franchise and I am looking forward to working closely with Dr Goenka and the Lucknow team. I will relish the challenge to build something meaningful and successful with the Lucknow franchise, I am looking forward to meeting the management and staff when I visit Uttar Pradesh in the New Year,” he added.