IPL 2026: Ali Bacher's grandson Jarren turns net bowler at CSK, dreams big
Jarren Bacher, grandson of South African cricket legend Ali Bacher, is pursuing his professional aspirations as an off-spinner with the Johannesburg Super Kings. Inspired by Ravi Ashwin's fighting spirit, Jarren transitioned from wicketkeeper-batter to bowler, dedicating years to honing his skills in England before returning to South Africa to pursue his career.
CHENNAI: Aron ‘Ali’ Bacher is a South African cricketing legend, a name that is firmly etched in the country’s history. As a player, captain and longserving administrator, he made an impact both on and off the field. He led South Africa to a 4-0 Test series whitewash over Australia in 1969-70, during the Apartheid era, and later played a key role in helping more nonwhite cricketers get opportunities at the highest level.
While his nephew Adam Bacher played Test cricket for South Africa in the late 1990s, now it’s Ali’s grandson Jarren’s turn to try and make a mark. The 22-year-old off-spinner is contracted with the Johannesburg Super Kings in the SA20 league and is currently at the Chennai Super Kings camp here as a net bowler. Jarren initially began as a wicketkeeper-batter before shifting to off-break bowling.
When asked who his role model, pat came the reply: “My hero is Ravi Ashwin since I was about 13. He’s a fighter. He never gives up.
Some people say he plays the game quite hard, but I like that. He’s got this real never-give-up attitude, and I feel like batters fear him like they would a fast bowler. I enjoy that aspect of his game a lot.