Mark Boucher cites Virat Kohli's example while discussing SA20's growing influence

Virat Kohli and Mark Boucher (Source:X)

In a significant development, Virat Kohli’s name has entered the SA20 conversation, with former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Mark Boucher highlighting how exposure to franchise cricket can transform young players. Mark Boucher drew parallels between the Indian Premier League and South Africa’s SA20.

Speaking during a select media interaction, Boucher strongly backed the SA20, saying the tournament has already started changing South African cricket in a big way.

Boucher links Kohli’s IPL journey to SA20’s impact on SA

Mark Boucher pointed Virat Kohli's early IPL days as an example of how playing alongside international stars can help youngsters handle pressure and grow faster.

Kohli began his IPL journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2008, sharing the dressing room with legends like Jacques Kallis, Kevin Pietersen, and Mark Boucher. 

The former Indian captain has often spoken about how senior players helped him during those early years.

“100 per cent. There is no doubt. All the past players are talking about it. Obviously, you're talking about it in the media, which is fantastic as well. But since we started the SA20, it has given our local players exposure to international players. We saw it happen in the IPL as well. As soon as the IPL youngsters, the likes of Virat Kohli, got exposure to playing with international players and learning from them, their games just went to a different level,” said Boucher while replying to a Hindustan Times query during a select media interaction on Friday afternoon.

“And the depth in Indian cricket is immense. With young talents being put together with some fantastic internationals, I think the standard of cricket is very, very good. Obviously not IPL level, but it's still very, very good. They've been given exposure to the global world, which has then led to them going and playing more global cricket, whether it's in all these other franchises, as we see that's happening around the world,” he added.

How SA20 is shaping South Africa's cricket future

Boucher believes SA20 is now doing something similar for South African players. With every match sold out this season, players are performing in front of packed stadiums, which helps them learn to handle pressure.

This rise in confidence has come at a good time for South Africa. The Proteas recently ended their long wait for an ICC title by winning the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s. They also reached the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Boucher cites Corbin Bosch's rise to showcase SA20's pathway

Boucher also highlighted individual success stories from the SA20. He cited all-rounder Corbin Bosch as an example of how the league is opening new doors for local talent.

“It's helped our cricket all in all, not only in T20 cricket, but in one-day cricket and also Test cricket. I just look at one individual, Corbin Bosch. He really had a standout, his first SA20. And then the next thing is playing one-day cricket, and then the next thing is playing Test cricket,” added Boucher.

On the future of the tournament, Boucher said SA20 could consider adding two more teams, but warned against making the tournament too long.