After a long wait the Indian board have come to conclusion about a new coach. Gary Kirsten the former South African batsman will be a new coach of Indian cricket team. He was born on Novemebr 23 1965 in Cape Town. He played 101 test matches for his country. He also represented South Africa in world cup 1992. He started his test cricket International career in 1993 against Australia.
Over the years, he gained a reputation as being a sturdy batsman in both Test cricket and one-day cricket. He could up the tempo of an innings if he needed to, but more often than not he simply waited for the bad ball like Steve Waugh and Mohammad Yousaf.
Kirtsen was the leading batsman in one day and test cricket for South Africa but Kallis pass these scores in both form of cricket. Gary Kirsten has made some startling revelations about Hansie Cronje which offer insights into his obsession with money and his involvement with match-fixing.Kirsten also provided a detailed account of the famous incident in Mumbai in 1996-97, when Cronje asked the whole team deliberately to underperform in a one-day match against India. Kirsten said that Cronje addressed the entire squad, with only Bob Woolmer, the coach, not around.
In a recent interview he said I run my own coaching academy in South Africa and have been with Cricket South Africa (CSA) as a high performance manager. So coaching a national side was always something I wanted to do down the line.
How did this interview happen?
About two weeks ago, I got a call from a member of the BCCI asking me if I was interested.
What was your first reaction?
I was pleasantly surprised when I got the call. But I considered it as a huge honour because right from my playing days I believed that I had a lot to offer. That (BCCI) call just gave me a sense of confidence that they had belief in my credentials.
Was coaching a national side always on your mind?
I run my own coaching academy in South Africa and have been with Cricket South Africa (CSA) as a high performance manager. So coaching a national side was always something I wanted to do down the line.
Have you finalised any agreement with the BCCI? Is it likely that you could join the side in Australia only mid-way through the tour?
We have a lot of issues to discuss and both sides will get back in a week’s time. I have to sort out a number of longstanding commitments and the date of my joining is something that is yet to be decided. I have two young kids, so have a lot to decide.
Did you get a chance to speak to skipper Anil Kumble?
Anil and I did have a chat. We have played a lot against each other. So it was an easy discussion around the team and current scenarios. There was nothing specific about it.
Have you been keeping a track of the Indian team’s performances in recent times?
I have been watching them. They have got a very experienced side and was very impressed with what they have done. I was particularly impressed with the Twenty20 performance where young players showed they could handle the pressure at the highest level.
What has struck you most about the Indian team?
I think it has a fantastic structure with a number of senior players at the core of the team. They have done well without a coach and it is now for me to add some value and continue the good work.
Following is the record of Gary Kirsten
Batting and fielding averages
Comments to date