Kohli’s former teammate set to make umpiring debut

Indian batting great Virat Kohli’s ICC Under19 World Cup winning teammate Tanmay Srivastava is set to make umpiring debut in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Only three players from India’s 2008 U19 World Cup winning team are still active and playing in the cash-rich league.

Srivastava, who was top scorer in the final against South Africa, failed to make impact in the game unlike his teammates.

Though he got the contract with Kings XI Punjab but his career did not flourish as the left-handed batter could score just eight runs in three innings across two seasons.

“I understood that was the best player I could be,” Srivastava said in an interview. “I was nowhere close to playing the IPL. I had to decide if I wanted to prolong life as a player or have a longer successful second innings.”

Srivastava drew curtains on his professional career at 30 when he was leading the Uttarakhand team in a bid to explore other options.

“I am still in touch with Virat Kohli, but I had to decide for myself and have a practical outlook,” he said.

Srivastava also revealed that he discussed the options with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-secretary Rajiv Shukla and eventually decided to focus on umpiring.

“I told Shukla sir that I wanted to do something else in cricket other than playing, He was a bit taken aback since I was still just 30.” He said.

“I did my Level 2 course in coaching in NCA, but I knew the best I could become was fielding coach. I decided to focus on umpiring,” Srivastava added.