The Indian Premier League 2025 is all set to kick off, with reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders hosting Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This season will be historic in many ways, as Tanmay Srivastava, Virat Kohli’s former U-19 teammate, steps onto the field not with a bat but as an umpire, becoming the first player to transition to officiating in the league. (Full Coverage | More Cricket News)
All eyes may be on Kohli as he becomes the first to represent the same franchise in all 18 seasons, but Srivastava’s journey is just as remarkable. A key member of India’s 2008 U-19 World Cup-winning squad, he now takes on a new role, trading in his playing gear for the umpire’s cap.
35-year-old Shrivastava, a key member of India’s 2008 U-19 World Cup-winning squad led by Kohli, previously played for Punjab Kings in the 2008 and 2009 seasons before transitioning to officiating.
In the U-19 World Cup final against South Africa, he played a crucial knock, anchoring India’s innings with a composed 46 at No. 3, the highest score in a tense, low-scoring contest.
Srivastava hung up his boots nearly five years ago and transitioned into officiating domestic matches. Now, he is set to take on a new role in the Indian Premier League, with the BCCI appointing him as an umpire, a move officially confirmed by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA).
Celebrating his milestone, UPCA shared on their official X account, “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!”
Srivastava was a left-handed opening batter who represented Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket and scored 4,918 runs in 90 first-class matches.
