In yet another development of the Indian Premier League franchises globalizing their brands, RPSG Group has appointed former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir as their global mentor for all teams. Gambhir will now see over Durban Super Giants in the new SA20 league – a team that Sanjiv Goenka-led RPSG Group acquired.
“He is one of the sharpest cricketing minds going around. The group feels he can not only add value in Indian conditions but across the cricketing map as well,”
a statement from the RPSG Group read.
Gambhir is a two-time IPL-winning captain and was a crucial part of the Lucknow Super Giants’ think tank in their maiden season. Gambhir was seen at the auction table and was involved in key decisions. He was present at the ground in Lucknow’s matches and often gave the post-match dressing room debriefs as well.
“As a global mentor of Super Giants I look forward to some added responsibility. My intensity and passion to win have just got international wings. It will be a proud moment to see the Super Giants family leave a global imprint. I thank Super Giants family for showing that faith in me,”
he said.
Gambhir will work closely with Lance Klusener, the head coach of the Durban franchise in the SA20 league. The South African recently stepped down from his role as Zimbabwe men’s batting coach to pursue professional engagements around the world.
Durban Super Giants have a few other common links with the Lucknow franchise, with Quinton de Kock, Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers being part of both teams.
The inaugural SA20 season is set to kick off from January 10, with six teams based in Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Paarl, Pretoria and Gqeberha. All six teams are owned by the owners of Indian Premier League franchises.
Earlier, Mumbai Indians elevated Mahela Jayawardene to global head of performance and Zaheer Khan to global head of cricket development. The MI franchise has three teams globally – Mumbai Indians in the IPL, MI Cape Town in the SA20 and MI Emirates in the ILT20. More teams are likely to follow suit in the near future.
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