Table of Contents
The India vs Sri Lanka first of the two-match Test series is set to begin on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium, Galle. Before the match, the former India World Cup-winning head coach Gary Kirsten has shared his insights on his former student Gautam Gambhir, who was a player while the former South Africa cricketer was the head coach of the Indian team.
This is going to be an acid Test for head coach Gautam Gambhir and the coaching staff. As the Men in Blue have not performed well in the traditional format of the game since Gambhir’s takeover. India in the World Test Championship cycle (2025-27) are placed fifth in the points table with won four and lost four of their nine matches, with one draw.
Gary Kirsten praises Gautam Gambhir as head coach
Gary Kirsten praised Gambhir as a head coach. The former Proteas cricketer, while speaking with Times of India in a virtual interview, revealed that Gambhir is an amazing coach and had incredible success.
He mentioned the accolades India won under Gauti and also spoke about his success with an IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), as Gautam Gambhir guided them to their third trophy as mentor.
Gary Kirsten on Gautam Gambhir: “He’s a fantastic coach. He’s had incredible success. He has won a T20 World Cup (2026) and the ICC Champions Trophy (2025). He’s also had success in the IPL (Gautam Gambhir was the team mentor for 2024 IPL champs Kolkata Knight Riders)."
"His record speaks for itself. I really enjoyed working with him when he was a player. He’s a smart cricketer and I knew he’d have success as coach.”
Gary Kirsten reveals secret about India's success under him
Gary Kirsten was the coach of the India National Cricket Team from 2008 to 2011, and during that time Gambhir was a regular part of the side. Kirsten shared his experience working with Gauti and the other Indian cricketers. He revealed that there were a lot of talented cricketers in the dressing room.
“It was a great three years and a privileged one to work with Indian players,” Kirsten said. “There was a lot of skill in that dressing room. What I appreciated was that they accepted me into their space and felt I could add value. I’ve approached the Sri Lankan role with the same seriousness.”
“We would like to bring all our skills into the game, not just spin,” he specified. “Whether you’re a seamer or a spinner, if you’re executing your skills properly, you’ll be in the game. We’ve done our homework on India and identified areas we may be able to exploit, but cricket unfolds session by session and you adapt accordingly.”
"Not here to judge the Indian team"- Gary Kirsten on India's struggle against spin
Kirsten also revealed India’s problems of playing spin as the Men in Blue have struggled in spin and slow tracks, with a similar kind of conditions awaiting them in Sri Lanka. However, the former Proteas head coach was diplomatic about answering India’s recent struggle against spin.
“I’m not here to judge the Indian team,” he said. “They are a quality side with tremendous depth. Our responsibility is to make sure we’re ready, both in terms of skill execution and strategy. The focus remains on our strengths.”
