Former South African cricketer and coach Mark Boucher succeeds Mahela Jayawardene as Mumbai Indians’ head coach, as per reports. According to ESPNcricinfo, the former Lankan legendary batter announced his willingness to make an exit and make way for Boucher. Meanwhile, the South African relinquished his post as the team coach, serving till the T20 World Cup.
The Reliance owners MI recently revamped their coaching setup. Former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan has been promoted as the global head of cricket development. The Indian superstar pacer replaced Jayawardane, who was the head coach of MI, since 2017. Since the Lankan icon assumed a new position, there was speculation regarding his successor in the Mumbai Indians.
Mumbai Indians and IPL years
One of the most successful units in the IPL, the Mumbai-based franchise, won five titles so far. They are credited for grooming future super talents such as Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Current Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is the leading man on their side.
Mark Boucher joins the #OneFamily as #MumbaiIndians’ Head Coach 💙
Welcome onboard, Mark 🙌
Read more 👇https://t.co/vR6TV7QvTN#DilKholKe @markb46
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) September 16, 2022
However, the 2022 IPL was a season to forget for the champion side. With only four wins, they finished at the bottom position, and as a result, fans called for new changes. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene took sole responsibility for their downfall and asked for a change of guard.
Boucher’s exit from South Africa
Earlier, Boucher abruptly resigned as South Africa’s head coach after the Proteas lost a Test series 2-1 in England. Reacting to it, Cricket South Africa CEO Pholtesi Moseki said the former great wanted to pursue other interests and opportunities. Another former South African cricketer, Ashwell Prince, is the front runner to succeed him in his job.
Head Coaches of Mumbai Indians in IPL history:
Lalchand Rajput – 2008
Pollock – 2009
Robin Singh – 2010 to 2012
John Wright – 2013 & 2014
Ponting – 2015 & 2016
Jayawardene – 2017 to 2022
Boucher – 2023*— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 16, 2022
Previously, Boucher did have a stint in the IPL. He served as the wicket-keeping coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2016 IPL. The experienced campaigner also played for KKR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. After that, he took over as the head coach of Titans before joining the South Africa’s men’s cricket team.
Boucher served as the wicket-keeping coach for the Knight Riders for the 2016 IPL. He has previously played for both the Knight Riders and the Royal Challengers. After that, he took over as head coach of Titans in the domestic South African league before taking over as coach of the South African men’s national team.
