Two heroes of India’s under-19 team, who played under the captaincy of Virat Kohli and emerged victorious in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia, have become BCCI umpires now.
2 Star Players Who Played With Virat Kohli Are BCCI Umpires Now
Yes, we are talking about opener Tanmay Srivastava (33) and pacer Ajitesh Argal (34). The duo cleared an umpiring exam conducted by the BCCI for retired cricketers in Ahmedabad in June and the results of the same were out on July 26th. The duo is now eligible to stand in first-class games shortly.
“They will attend a BCCI orientation programme and seminar to be held on August 17-19 in Ahmedabad, and will then officiate in Board conducted games,” a source told TOI.
Everything You Need To Know About Tanmay Srivastava And Ajitesh Argal
For the unversed, Tanmay Srivastava, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, has scored 262 runs in six games with an average of 52.40 in the 2008 U-19 World Cup. His knock of 46 runs in the final match against South Africa was the highest score by any batsman on either side. On the other hand, Ajitesh Argal was adjudged the ‘Man of the Final’ for his spell of two for 7 in five overs, as India defeated South Africa by 12 runs by D/L method in a low-scoring game.
Srivastava has played 90 first-class games, scoring 4918 runs at an average of 34.39, with 10 centuries and 27 half-centuries. In List A cricket, Srivastava has scored 1728 runs in 44 games at an average of 444.30, with seven centuries and 10 fifties.
“It feels good to be in the BCCI umpiring panel. I want to serve the game, and this is the best way to do that, I guess. It’s just the start of a new role for me. I was doing well in coaching, but I want to be at the top, and umpiring is the best option to do that, I guess, where I can represent India in the International Cricket Council. After playing so much domestic cricket, I can officiate the game in a better way. It’s a challenging job. I will follow the process,”
He also recalled the memorable u-19 World Cup win under Virat Kohli’s captaincy. He said: “It was the best moment in my cricketing career. As a team we did well. I was bless to play and share the dressing room with the greats of the game. I’m still in touch with everyone from that batch”
Srivastava also talked about his coaching experience. He revealed: “I’m a level 2 BCCI coach, and was the batting coach of the Under-16 batch at the National Cricket Academy this year. Last year, I was the fielding/assistant coach of the Jammu & Kashmir team, as well as a scout for RCB,”
Talking about Ajitesh Argal, he has picked 24 wickets in 10 first-class games. Argal also expressed his gratitude to the BCCI and Baroda Cricket Association for the amazing opportunity. He said:
“I’m thankful to the BCCI and the Baroda Cricket Association for providing me with this wonderful opportunity. Cricket has always been my passion and umpiring is something by which I can stay closely associated with this wonderful game. Umpiring has always fascinated me as a cricketer and I am looking forward to this challenge in my new phase of journey ahead,”
