Lucknow franchise appoint Gautam Gambhir as their mentor

The newly introduced Lucknow franchise have roped in former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir as their mentor for IPL 2022. The decision comes only a few days after RPSG group appointed Andy Flower as their head coach.

The Lucknow-based franchise was bought by RP Sanjiv Goenka for ₹7090 crore. He had an earlier stint in the IPL as the owner of the Rising Pune Supergiant. As per reports in Cricbuzz, the association between Goenka and Gautam Gambhir was long planned and once the he bought a team, the association became formal.

Welcoming Gautma Gambhir, Sanjiv Goenka appreciated the ‘impeccable career record’ of the former India opener.

“Yes, we have taken him. I respect his cricketing mind and look forward to working with him,” the franchise owner said in a statement.

The cricketer-turned-politician also thanked the franchise for bestowing him with the responsibilites.

“Thanks a lot to Dr Goenka and the RPSG Group for presenting me this wonderful opportunity in their setup. The fire to win a contest still burns bright inside me, the desire to leave a winner’s legacy still kicks me 24×7. I will not be contesting for a dressing room but for the spirit and soul of Uttar Pradesh,” Gambhir said in a statement. 

Along with Gautam Gambhir, his former Delhi teammate Vijay Dahiya is also expected to join the Lucknow franchise. Dahiya, who is currently the head coach of Uttar Pradesh, is expected to take up the role of an assistant coach.

The franchise are also planning to rope in former Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul as their first buy. As per reports, Rahul is likely to lead the new franchise in IPL 2022.