A New Chapter: Tanmay Srivastava Transitions from Cricketer to IPL Umpire
In the ever-evolving world of cricket, careers can take unexpected turns. Some players rise to legendary status, while others reinvent themselves in different roles within the sport.
While Virat Kohli became one of the greatest batters of all time, his former U19 World Cup-winning teammate Tanmay Srivastava has taken a different route—from scoring runs to calling the shots as an umpire in IPL 2025!
Yes, you read that right. Tanmay Srivastava, the highest scorer in the 2008 ICC U19 World Cup final, is now donning the umpire’s hat. Let’s dive into how this fascinating transformation unfolded.
From U19 World Cup Glory to a Different Dream
The 2008 ICC U19 World Cup was a defining moment for Indian cricket. The young Virat Kohli-led squad lifted the trophy, setting the stage for some of its members to reach cricketing superstardom.
While Kohli’s career skyrocketed, Tanmay Srivastava’s journey took a different path. After showcasing his batting prowess in the tournament, he earned an IPL contract with Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab). But unlike Kohli, his career did not take off as expected.
Rather than lingering in the domestic circuit without growth, Tanmay chose a different career path in cricket, ultimately deciding to become an umpire.
And now, in IPL 2025, he finds himself back on the big stage—this time making decisions instead of runs.
Why Did Tanmay Srivastava Quit Playing Cricket?
Tanmay Srivastava had an honest moment of self-reflection that many athletes struggle with.
“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,” he told TOI.
At 30 years old, while still captaining the Uttarakhand cricket team, he hung up his playing boots and decided to explore other roles in cricket.
His decision wasn’t made overnight. He weighed his options, considered a coaching career, and even completed a Level 2 coaching course at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
But his gut told him that coaching wasn’t his true calling.
So, he set his sights on umpiring—a field that required intensive studying, long nights, and sheer determination.
“Studying for Umpiring is Tough”: The Challenges of a New Career
Many fans assume that former players can transition into umpiring with ease. After all, they’ve played the game at a high level, right?
Wrong.
“Studying for umpiring is tough. I used to stay up at night. You have to study a lot to understand the laws and their implications,” Tanmay admitted.
Umpiring is not just about calling outs and wides—it’s about mastering the rulebook, game awareness, and handling high-pressure situations.
The BCCI has been encouraging young players to take up umpiring, moving away from relying on older officials with only theoretical knowledge.
For Tanmay, this was the perfect opportunity—a chance to stay connected to the game while contributing in a new and impactful way.
Tanmay Srivastava and Virat Kohli: A Reunion on the Cards?
Despite taking very different career paths, Tanmay Srivastava and Virat Kohli have remained in touch.
And now, their paths could cross again in IPL 2025!
Virat Kohli, now back with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), might just see his former U19 teammate officiating one of his matches.
Tanmay himself seems excited about the possibility:
“I am still in touch with Virat, but I had to decide for myself and have a practical outlook,” he said.
It’s a full-circle moment. One leads a team, the other controls the game—both still deeply rooted in the sport they love.
FAQs: Tanmay Srivastava’s Journey from Player to Umpire
He realized his playing career had reached its peak and chose to pursue a longer, more stable career in umpiring instead of remaining in domestic cricket.
He was India’s top scorer in the 2008 U19 World Cup final, played domestic cricket, and earned an IPL contract with Punjab Kings. However, his career didn’t reach the heights of his U19 teammate Virat Kohli.
He studied umpiring rules extensively, took official BCCI umpiring exams, and gained experience in domestic cricket before securing an IPL role.
It’s possible! If he gets an on-field umpiring role, he might oversee RCB’s matches, including ones featuring Virat Kohli.
Transitioning from a player to an umpire was difficult—intensive studying, passing exams, and proving himself in domestic matches were all part of the journey.
Conclusion: A Bold Career Move Pays Off
Tanmay Srivastava’s journey from U19 World Cup winner to IPL 2025 umpire proves that life in cricket isn’t just about playing—it’s about adapting, learning, and finding new ways to contribute.
While his path didn’t mirror Virat Kohli’s rise to cricketing superstardom, he has carved his own unique legacy—one that could see him officiating some of the biggest matches in the IPL.
And who knows? Maybe one day, he’ll have to make a crucial decision on a Kohli LBW appeal—talk about a plot twist! 😂
So, here’s to Tanmay Srivastava’s second innings—one that’s just as fascinating as his first. 🏏👏
