IPL 2016: Mark Boucher appointed wicket-keeping consultant for KKR
In an interesting development, retired South African gloveman Mark Boucher is all set to join the Kolkata Knight Riders as their new wicket-keeping consultant. Cricbuzz reported the 39-year old as the new addition in the franchise’s burgeoning coaching staff.
Fellow South African Jacques Kallis is the Head Coach of the franchise with the likes of Simon Katich and WV Raman also in the support staff. Legendary Pakistani swing bowler Wasim Akram serves as the bowling coach for the Gautam Gambhir-led team.
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Boucher’s addition will certainly help in the development of the side’s current wicketkeeper Robin Uthappa. While the Coorg-born cricketer is showing his prowess as a batsman, he has not quite displayed a sense of security when standing behind the stumps.
The Knight Riders have only one reserve gloveman in Sheldon Jackson. However, the 29-year old has not been able to break into the playing eleven. This could be where Boucher’s expertise might aid in the improvement of both wicket-keepers.
The former Proteas stalwart is one of the greatest wicket-keepers of all time with 998 dismissals across all three formats. No other gloveman comes close to Boucher’s record 555 dismissals in Test cricket. Aside from being a quality keeper, the experienced campaigner was also a pugnacious batsman in his hey days.
Debuting against Pakistan at Sheikhpura, Boucher quickly rose through the ranks to become one of South Africa’s key players. His 15-year career came to an end when he suffered a freakish eye injury in 2012 during a warm-up match on the tour to England.
He has also previously participated in the IPL with two different teams. Following his stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore when they finished as runners-up in 2009, Boucher signed up with Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2011 season.
Currently, the Knight Riders are ranked third in the league table with five wins from eight matches and look poised to make the semi-finals.