Indian Premier League Auction 2016: Mumbai Indians Owner Nita Ambani Seeks Anil Kumble's Advice on Bidding

Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani on Saturday said even though Anil Kumble is no more with Mumbai Indians, she still met the former India spinner on the eve of 2016 Indian Premier League auction to seek his advice. (IPL Auction 2016: Shane Watson Most Expensive Buy, Pawan Negi Costliest Indian)

"I think Anil Bhai played a very important role and for me he is still an advisor. Before the auction, I went and met him last night (to seek advise). So, he is part of our family and will continue being so," she said. (Highlights)

In his first year as the mentor, Mumbai Indians won the IPL and the Champions League in 2013, besides winning IPL once again in 2015.

Kumble, on November 30 last year, had stepped down as the chief mentor of Mumbai Indians after he decided to pursue other opportunities in sports and cricket.

Asked about Sundar Raman's role as Reliance Sports CEO, Ambani said he will be responsible for consolidation and integration of RIL's sports portfolio.

Ambani said RIL is involved in multiple sports - cricket, football, basketball, tennis and golf, either on its own or through joint ventures, besides having several initiatives like basketball and Young Champs. "Sundar Raman looks after the entire sports portfolio and his responsibility lies in consolidating and integrating them," she said.

Ambani said "the company has reached out to 1.5 mllion children and wants to reach out to another half a million children this year."

Raman was brought on board as CEO of Reliance Sports after he put in his papers at the BCCI in November last year. Raman was given clean chit by Justice R M Lodha Committee after not enough evidence was found against him in his allegedly involvement in the 2013 spot-fixing and betting scandal.