IPL 2023: Mark Boucher Appointed as Mumbai Indian Head Coach

Mumbai Indian Head Coach: Former South Africa keeper-batter coach Mark Boucher has been named the head coach of the Mumbai Indians. Currently serving as the head coach of the South Africa men’s team, Boucher earlier made an abrupt announcement that he would be quitting the role following the 2022 T20 World Cup. Former long-serving Proteas wicketkeeper Boucher has been the team’s head coach since December 2019.

Before their recent 2-1 series loss in England, Boucher coached a youthful South African team to the top of the World Test Championship standings. Additionally, the 45-year-old was just named head coach of MI Cape Town, a South African team that will compete in the SA20 and is owned by the Mumbai Indians.

Following the announcement, Boucher said, “It is an honor and privilege to be appointed as Head Coach of MI. Their history and achievements as a franchise clearly put them up there as one of the most successful sporting franchises in all of world sport. I look forward to the challenge and respect the need for results. It’s a strong unit with great leadership and players. I look forward to adding value to this dynamic unit.”

Boucher was favorite to succeed Mahela Jayawardena as the coach of the Mumbai Indians. Since his resignation from the post of head coach of South Africa, many people were surprised by his choice, but it was informed that Boucher wants to “pursue other interests and possibilities,” according to Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki.

Reliance Jio Infocomm Chairman, Akash Ambani, said “It’s a pleasure to welcome Mark Boucher to Mumbai Indians. With his proven expertise on the field and off it as a coach guiding his team to numerous victories, Mark will add immense value to MI and take forward its legacy.”

Boucher has previously worked in the IPL, most notably in 2016 when he was the Knight Riders’ wicketkeeping coach. However, he has little prior T20 franchise coaching expertise. He was with Knight Riders and the Royal Challengers as a mentor. After that, he became the head coach of the Titans in the local South African league before becoming the men’s national team coach of South Africa.