By Zainab Shafiq 
IPL 2025: Virat Kohli’s former teammate Tanmay Srivastava, once a rising star in Indian cricket, is ready to step into a new role—this time, not with a bat in hand, but with a decision-making authority. The former U-19 World Cup hero, who top-scored in the 2008 final against South Africa, is set to make his debut as a BCCI-qualified umpire in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).
Kohli’s former teammate could not be among greatest players, aims to become greatest umpire
Srivastava’s journey has been anything but ordinary. While his U-19 teammates Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Manish Pandey continue to shine in the IPL, Srivastava’s playing career took a different turn. After a brief stint with Kings XI Punjab, where he managed only eight runs in three innings, he realized his playing days were limited. “I understood that was the best player I could be,” he admitted in a candid interview.
At 30, while leading the Uttarakhand team, Srivastava made the tough call to retire and explore new avenues within cricket. “I had to decide if I wanted to prolong life as a player or have a longer, successful second innings,” he said.
Umpiring became his chosen path, a decision he reached after discussions with BCCI Vice-secretary Rajiv Shukla. “I told 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,” Srivastava recalled. Initially, he considered coaching but soon realized umpiring was his true calling.
How is like studying for umpiring for Srivastava?
The transition wasn’t easy. “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,” he shared. However, his dedication paid off, and he is now set to officiate in one of the world’s most prestigious cricket leagues.
Srivastava’s story is a testament to resilience and adaptability. As he prepares to don the umpire’s hat, he carries with him the experience of a player who once thrived under pressure—a quality that will undoubtedly serve him well in his new role.