Former India opener Gautam Gambhir was on Saturday appointed mentor of the new Lucknow franchise ahead of IPL-15. The southpaw, who is also a Member of Parliament, had captained KKR to two IPL titles during his playing days.

“The fire to win a contest still burns bright inside me, the desire to leave a winner’s 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 in a statement.