Tanmay Srivastava, once a rising star in Indian cricket and a key member of Virat Kohli’s U-19 World Cup-winning squad in 2008, is set to return to the IPL—but this time, with a different role. The former top-order batter, who played a crucial hand in India’s victorious campaign, has been officially appointed as an umpire for the 2025 Indian Premier League. Srivastava’s cricketing journey has been unique. While his teammates, including Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, soared to international stardom, his career took a different turn. He was India’s highest run-getter in the 2008 U-19 World Cup, playing a vital knock of 46 in the low-scoring final against South Africa. Yet, despite his early promise, he couldn’t break into the senior Indian team. After years of grinding in domestic cricket, he hung up his boots in 2020. Post-retirement, Srivastava found a new calling in umpiring. Having officiated in domestic competitions over the past few years, he has now earned a spot in the IPL panel. The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), his home board, confirmed the news with a heartfelt post: "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!" 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 Read also: AB de Villiers on Rajat Patidar’s RCB Captaincy Over Virat Kohli Tanmay Srivastava: the cricketer Interestingly, this isn’t Srivastava’s first brush with the IPL. He was part of Kings XI Punjab in the 2008 and 2009 seasons but managed just eight runs in three innings. His domestic career, however, was far more prolific, with 4,918 runs in 90 first-class matches. As Srivastava steps onto the IPL stage again—this time enforcing the rules rather than playing—it will be fascinating to see him officiate matches featuring Kohli, his former captain. The 2025 season opener will see Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Kolkata Knight Riders in a high-voltage clash, setting the stage for yet another thrilling IPL edition.