Gary Kirsten delivered impressive results for India and the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Now, as Pakistan’s white-ball coach, he faces another intriguing challenge.
Yuvraj Singh, the man-of-the-tournament in the 2011 World Cup, hails Kirsten as the best coach he’s ever played under. Other members of that victorious campaign, like Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh, also praise his exceptional man-management skills.
Former South African opener Gary Kirsten holds a special place in the hearts of Indian cricket fans for the calm and effective way he led the team from 2008 to 2011, following a tumultuous period under Greg Chappell. After a successful stint with the Gujarat Titans in the IPL as a mentor and batting coach, Kirsten now takes on the role of Pakistan’s white-ball coach.
On June 9, India will face Pakistan in the T20 World Cup at New York’s Nassau County Ground. Kirsten, now in the green dugout, may have some insights about the Indian players that Pakistan can leverage. However, noted mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, who worked with Kirsten as part of the Indian support staff, downplays this potential advantage. “These days, video analysis and data on all players are detailed and well-known to all opponents. Most players have a deep personal insight into others from playing in various leagues worldwide. Given this extensive and in-depth knowledge that’s already out there, I don’t think there is much ‘insider advantage’ that Kirsten can bring to the India-Pakistan clash,” Upton told NOG.
Kirsten also worked closely with video analyst Prasanna Agoram for South Africa from 2011 to 2013 and with the Delhi Daredevils from 2014 to 2015. Agoram highlights Kirsten’s man-management skills as his standout quality. “He is a process-driven coach, not one who relies much on matchups and confusing data. Unless a player’s performance is drastically declining, he focuses on process-driven methods, keeping all boxes ticked. If a player fails for two or three months making the same mistake, he steps in after reviewing footage and data. But he builds strong relationships with players,” Agoram explained to NOG.
Kirsten avoids aimless practice. Agoram recalls an example from the Adelaide Test of 2012 against Australia. “He chose the playing XI and rotated the 12th man daily. The 14th and 15th squad members could come to the ground, go out, or relax at the hotel.”
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag, who thrived under Kirsten, noted how Kirsten tailored practice to individual needs. “The coach should know who needs how much practice. In this, Kirsten was the best. He gave me 50 balls in the nets, Rahul Dravid 200, Sachin Tendulkar 300, and Gautam Gambhir 400, then told us to relax at the hotel,” Sehwag shared.
Kirsten could also be firm. During the 2009 T20 World Cup, he told Yuvraj Singh that at 41, he was fitter than the big-hitting left-hander. This struck a chord with Yuvraj, leading him to make better off-field choices and ultimately shine in the 2011 World Cup.
Upton elaborates on Kirsten’s ability to give tough love. “Gary prefers diplomacy over conflict. He brings natural calm to the environment but is professional enough to have tough conversations when needed. Even these, he handles in his uniquely calm way. When challenging senior players, it’s important to first develop trust and relationships,” Upton explains.
Kirsten’s advantage for Pakistan lies in his experience working in foreign cultures and his understanding of the emotions and fanaticism of fans and media. “He will do a lot of listening and seek to understand. He has developed a thick skin, which is very important in this environment,” says Upton.
Agoram also emphasizes Kirsten’s man-management skills and his investment in player-coach relationships. “If he wants to tell Fakhar Zaman, who has always opened, to bat at No. 4, it boils down to trust. If a player trusts his coach, he will agree. Many players resist changing roles, but Gary’s fatherly love helps. He is extremely levelheaded and doesn’t get excited by wins or disheartened by losses. I’ve never seen him get angry. Pakistan has made an excellent choice,” Agoram concludes.
