Lakshmipathy Balaji named as Albert Tuti Patriots' brand ambassador

The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) team, Albert Tuti Patriots has announced that Lakshmipathy Balaji who previously represented them as a player will now be the team’s brand ambassador. Balaji, who announced his retirement from first-class and List A cricket last year, called it time on his TNPL career as well last week. The 36-year old will now serve Tuti Patriots not only as the brand ambassador but also will be part of their support staff.

In a tweet on Tuesday, the official account of the team made an announcement about the former Indian fast-bowler. They tweeted: “#NammaThala Lakshmipathy Balaji is now #NammaAmbassador” which translates to “Our leader (boss) Lakshmipathy Balaji is now Our Ambassador”.

#NammaThala Lakshmipathy Balaji is now #NammaAmbassador pic.twitter.com/tNQliKZoM2

— TUTI PATRIOTS (@TUTI_PATRIOTS) August 1, 2017

After announcing retirement from multi-day games and 50-over matches, Balaji featured in the TNPL last year and took on as the bowling coach of his state team Tamil Nadu for the 2016/17 season. Though he was supposed to be a part of the ongoing edition as well, the 36-year-old decided to opt out and play a role behind the screen.

The Tuti Patriots franchise owned by Albert Muralidharan represents the Thoottukudi city. The side emerged as the champions in the inaugural edition of the tournament and began their title defence with four consecutive wins in the 2nd season. Along with Balaji, Tuti missed out the services of Abhinav Mukund who is a part of India’s Test squad in the Sri Lankan series and Dinesh Karthik which didn’t affect the team’s performance.

However, they were boosted by Karthik’s return in the fourth game, who walked back with a first-ball duck against the Chepauk Super Gillies but a century from Washington Sundar ensured yet another win for them. Karthik will now be available for his TNPL side at least for the next couple of weeks if he is picked for the Indian team for their limited-overs leg of the Sri Lankan tour.