Former India opener, Gautam Gambhir has been roped in by the Lucknow-based Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise as the team’s mentor. The decision follows the announcement of Andy Flower becoming the new head coach as the team firms up its backroom-staff lineup ahead of the all-important IPL auction.

One of the sources of TOI said, “Gambhir brings with him a proven track record in the IPL as captain for KKR. He also has a penchant for grooming young talent which Lucknow feels will suit them well ahead of what is expected to be a tough initiation into an increasingly competitive IPL scenario.”

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Former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower was on Friday appointed as the head coach of the new franchise. The feisty Gambhir will be expected to serve as an advisor in the franchise and will be the “guiding hand” when it comes to firming up the team’s plans and improving player performance. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had won two IPL titles under Gambhir’s captaincy in 2012 and 2014.

The as-yet-unnamed Lucknow franchise, which is hoping to rope in KL Rahul to lead the franchise, now has two senior backroom staff members in Gambhir and Flower with a no-nonsense approach, immense tactical knowledge, and an intense approach towards the game.

The Lucknow IPL franchise was bagged by the Sanjiv Goenka-led RPSG group for INR 7090 crores. The $7 billion conglomerate has had an earlier stint in the IPL when they owned the Rising Pune Supergiant franchise.

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