Virat Kohli U-19 Teammate Tanmay Srivastava Becomes Umpire in IPL
In a remarkable career transformation, Virat Kohli U-19 teammate Tanmay Srivastava has made history by becoming a BCCI-qualified umpire. Set to officiate in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Srivastava is the first cricketer to have both played and officiated in the IPL—a unique milestone in the tournament’s history.
Virat Kohli U-19 Teammate: The Journey of Tanmay Srivastava
It has been 17 years since Virat Kohli U-19 teammate and his squad lifted the coveted 2008 U-19 World Cup trophy, a moment etched in Indian cricket history. Among the few remaining players from that squad—Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Manish Pandey—Srivastava has chosen a completely different path, transitioning from player to umpire.
Srivastava, who was India’s top scorer in the U-19 World Cup final against South Africa, had a promising domestic career. Representing Uttar Pradesh, he accumulated 262 runs in six matches, earning him an IPL contract with Kings XI Punjab. However, despite his early success, he struggled to cement his place in the IPL.
From IPL Aspirant to Umpire: A Career Shift
At 30 years old, Srivastava made the difficult decision to retire from professional cricket. Realizing that his IPL playing dreams were fading, he decided to transition into a second innings within the sport—but this time as an umpire.
“I understood that was the best player I could be. 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 told TOI’s Arani Basu.
Seeking guidance, he approached Rajiv Shukla, the BCCI vice-president, and a key figure in Uttar Pradesh cricket. Although coaching was an option, Srivastava realized that umpiring offered a long-term future, making it the best career choice.
The Rigorous Path to Becoming an Umpire
Transitioning from player to umpire was no easy task. Preparing for umpiring exams required an intensive study of cricket laws and their applications.
“Studying for umpiring is tough. I used to stay up at nights. You have to study a lot to understand the laws and their implications,” Srivastava explained.
While studying for his umpiring qualifications, he also worked as a talent scout for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and took up coaching roles at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and Jammu & Kashmir U-16 teams.
BCCI’s Support for Ex-Players Becoming Umpires
The BCCI umpiring program played a crucial role in Srivastava’s journey, providing a structured pathway for former players to transition into officiating.
“There is a 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,” Srivastava said.
Making History: The First IPL Player-Turned-Umpire
As he prepares for his first IPL season as an umpire, Virat Kohli U-19 teammate Tanmay Srivastava is on the brink of creating history. Although he might not be assigned on-field umpiring duties immediately, his role in the officiating panel marks a significant milestone.
This achievement highlights not only his adaptability but also serves as inspiration for future cricketers seeking alternative career paths within the sport.
🚨 What are your thoughts on Virat Kohli U-19 teammate Tanmay Srivastava’s journey from cricketer to umpire? Share your views in the comments!
