Lucknow franchise rope-in Gautam Gambhir as mentor

The Lucknow-based franchise owned by the RPSG Group, which officially appointed Andy Flower as the head coach of the side on Friday, has roped in former India batsman Gautam Gambhir as the mentor of the side for the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

Gambhir is a two-time IPL winning captain with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but of late the 40-year-old has been serving as an analyst/commentator, most notably appearing in the ‘Dugout’ feed of the competition. 

A day after roping-in Andy Flower, the Lucknow-based franchise have struck a deal with the former KKR captain to serve as the mentor of the side.

"It’s a privilege to be in the contest again. Thanks Dr.Goenka for incl me in Lucknow IPL Team as its mentor. The fire to win still burns bright inside me, the desire to leave a winner’s legacy still kicks me. I won’t be contesting for a dressing room but for the spirit & soul of UP," Gambhir tweeted on Saturday, confirming his appointment. 

This will be the first time since 2018 Gambhir will be involved with an IPL franchise. Back then he was the skipper of the Delhi Capitals franchise, but quit mid-season after a string of low scores with the bat, handing captaincy over to Shreyas Iyer.