What is the Meaning of Mentor in Cricket?

A mentor in cricket is a current or ex-professional who serves as a guide to current players towards achieving set goals. Mentors in cricket differ from coaches in some ways, even if both roles perform similar activities in different capacities.

What Does a Mentor in Cricket Do?

A cricket mentor passes on knowledge about the sport to less-experienced or professional players. They usually collaborate with coaches to perform their duties.

Cricket mentors perform their duties mostly within youth or underage teams. These experienced cricketers offer their skills, experience, and vast understanding of the sport to build tomorrow’s talents.

Where Can Cricket Mentors Work?

Cricket franchises

Franchises usually require the services of cricket mentors for several reasons before, during, and after campaigns.

Cricket academies

Several cricket academies have standing agreements with mentors to groom their students ahead of selection into underage or youth tournaments.

International teams

Some international teams could hire a mentor in cricket for certain tournaments or as a long-term associate. Several cricket teams opt for mentors in the youth system and for senior players ahead of challenging tournaments.

Advisors

A mentor in cricket could opt to perform his duties as a consultant over signing up a binding contract with a national team or franchise. These cricketers usually offer their expertise to help teams build their performances in certain departments or by offering general knowledge about tournaments or opposing teams.

Top Mentors in Modern International Cricket

Cricket has a long, colourful history that has seen hundreds of international players become popular mentors across decades. In recent times, many top names have assumed a mentorship role in their career, driving new players to greater heights under their guidance. Let’s explore some top mentors in modern international cricket and what these top stars offer to the sport:

MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh (MS) Dhoni is currently in his sixteenth straight IPL season, marvelling fans and players alike with his longevity. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer has been a mentor at several levels throughout his career and continues to inspire countless youngsters and professionals in the game.

A hallmark of the cricketer’s career became evident when he was selected by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as a mentor for the national team in 2021. His vast game experience ensured his perfect fit for this role as a player guide and team motivator.

MS Dhoni Career Stats

(Stats are accurate as of April 4, 2024)

Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin ‘Master Blaster’ Tendulkar is one of India’s most popular cricketers of all time. The seasoned veteran retired from cricket several years ago and has gone on to become one of the game’s most-respected mentors. Tendulkar has served in different mentorship roles after his retirement and still retains his advisory duties across cricket associations.

Sachin Tendulkar Career Stats

Ricky Ponting

Ponting has served in varying mentorship roles since retiring as one of cricket’s best batters of all time. The seasoned batsman has operated in coaching roles and as an advisor for multiple cricket teams after his development into a mentor.

Ricky Ponting Career Stats