Gary Kirsten has earned more success as the coach of India and South Africa national teams than taking up assignments in the franchise leagues. He served India from 2008 to 2011 and gelled well along with the squad. Under his watchful eyes, India clinched only their second World Cup title at home in 2011. Personally, for Gary Kirsten it was the biggest achievement for him, as a coach.
After the World Cup 2011, Kirsten bid goodbye to the Indian cricket team, in a modest manner saying he wants to spent time with his family. Later, he was appointed as the coach of his home team South Africa, where he replaced Graeme Smith with AB de Villiers as the captain of the limited-overs team.
Following a two-year stint with South Africa, Kirsten has been serving in franchise leagues, with his last stint coming for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from 2017 to 2019.
Gary Kirsten: I would always consider returning to coach Team India
Gary Kirsten is presently not having any assignments up his sleeves as he awaits a new stint. Under his mentorship, Team India adapted new tactics and grew better technically. Kirsten said he is always ready to make a return to team India, given it works in a positive manner for the current group of players.
“I would always consider it. Although it would need to work out for everyone,” he told Times of India.
Currently Ravi Shastri is the coach of Team India. He was retained as the coach of the national team in August last year. It is his fourth stint with the national team after having served as Cricket Manager (2007 tour of Bangladesh), Team Director (2014-2016) and head coach (2017-2019).