MUMBAI: Virat Kohli’s gameplay has been appreciated worldwide and fans are pouring out immense love on social media. He is truly the finest batter to ever play the game. However, not every member from his Under-19 squad got such a desirable career in Cricket.
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The other day, we observed Virat Kohli getting into the practice session for the IPL Season. Interestingly, now while he is all set to begin his journey of IPL 2025, his former U19 India teammate Tanmay Srivastava will make his umpiring debut in the same T20 league.
As per a Times Of India report, Tanmay was the top-scoring batter for India in the 2008 ICC U19 World Cup final. Tanmay secured a contract with Punjab Kings after showcasing his talent in the 2008 U19 World Cup but his career took a downward turn in the years that followed. Instead of leading to the same road as Virat Kohli, Tanmay landed an umpiring job in the IPL at the age of 35.
"I understood that was the best player I could be," Srivastava said in a chat with TOI. "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."
A true player never leaves the field—just changes the game.
Wishing Tanmay Srivastava the best as he dons a new hat with the same passion!#UPCA #IPL #UP #PrideOfUP pic.twitter.com/wrRoW31OG2— UPCA (@UPCACricket) March 17, 2025
Tanmay brought his cricketing career to a close at the age of 30 while still serving as the captain of the Uttarakhand team, having previously represented Uttar Pradesh. He chose to explore a different path within the sport beyond playing, a decision that was understandably difficult. Although Tanmay has yet to secure an on-field role in the IPL, he remains hopeful for future opportunities.
"I am still in touch with Virat, but I had to decide for myself and have a practical outlook," he revealed.
"I told Rajiv 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. Then we discussed what the options could be. I did my Level 2 course in coaching in NCA, but I knew the best I could become was a fielding coach. I decided to focus on umpiring," Srivastava said.
He decided to take up umpiring, studied for its exams while also juggling different cricketing jobs, like being a talent scout for RCB and being one of the coaches at the National Cricket Academy.
"Studying for umpiring is tough. I used to stay up at night. You have to study a lot to understand the laws and its implications," he said.
"There is certain relaxation for players irrespective of the level of cricket they've played. The board is encouraging young players to take up umpiring rather than heavily depending on older people with bookish knowledge," he asserted.
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