CSA named Imraan Khan as the new batting lead

Imraan Khan has been appointed the new batting lead at Cricket South Africa. The one-time test cap and Dolphins coach for the last five years is currently with the Test side in the West Indies, where he will work under national red ball coach Sukri Conrad. He is coming in place of Ashwell Prince, who was unavailable citing personal reasons as the batting coach for the tour and will now presume a more extensive role at CSA. 

As a provincial coach in South Africa’s top tier, Imraan enjoyed a successful stint with Dolphins and guided them to two four-day series titles- in 2020/2021 and 2022/23- a joint one-day cup in the 2020/21 season and to three CSA T20 Challenge finals. 

Under his helm, the Dolphins have produced numerous national players namely Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Ottneil Baartman and Keshav Maharaj has developed as a competent leader. Imraan’s professional career is at a Durban-based union, where he played for nearly 15 years. 

Imraan was a top-order batter, regarded for his long-format achievements. He amassed 9,337 runs in the 161 first-class games, including 20 tons and averaged 36.58. His only test appearance for SA came in 2009, against the Kangaroos, where he opened the innings with Prince at the top of the order. He also played 121 List A matches and 51 T20s. 

“I want to thank the KZN Cricket Union for all their support," Imraan said, in a statement. "It's been an incredible journey, and I've loved starting my coaching career at the union that has been my home for many seasons. This is an exciting step in my path as a coach, but Kingsmead will always be home, and I will miss everyone here."

The Dolphins are yet to name a replacement for Imraan, with the domestic season set to commence with the T20 competition in September.