Lucknow-based IPL franchise has roped in former India opener Gautam Gambhir as team mentor, TOI reported on Saturday (December 18).

Gambhir's appointment comes a day after the Lucknow franchise named former Zimbabwe skipper Andy Flower as its head coach for the 2022 edition of the league.

“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,” sources in the know told TOI.

As per the report, Gambhir is likely to have an advisory role in the franchise, which will make its debut in the IPL 2022.

Since Gambhir had led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, his presence will certainly bolster the Sanjiv Goenka-owned team.

"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 24x7. I will not be contesting for a dressing room but for the spirit and soul of Uttar Pradesh," Gambhir said on his appointment, as quoted by TOI.

Earlier, it has been reported in the media that the unnamed Lucknow franchise will target KL Rahul in the upcoming IPL auction as a captaincy contender.

Notably, Rahul was leading Punjab for the past two editions and worked under Flower, who was associated with PBKS as assistant coach.

The IPL 2022 will feature 10 teams, with the addition of two new franchises based in Lucknow and Ahmedabad.

During the IPL team auction in October this year, the RP-Sanjiv Goenka group and international equity investment firm CVC Capital had won Lucknow and Ahmedabad’s bids for INR 7,090 crore and INR 5,625 crores respectively.

(With TOI inputs)