Gary Kirsten To Return As Team India Coach! | News World India

Gary Kirsten back as Team India coach? Well, it is not so unlikely as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approached the former South African cricketer for a second stint as head coach of Team India.

According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, the 47-year-old himself revealed the news.

“There have been one or two phone calls (from BCCI) but I was not in a position to make those decision,” stated the former opener, who had a successful stint as Team India coach from 2008 to 201, including a successful World Cup campaign.

Interestingly at the same time, Kirsten has not ruled out the possibility of returning as a India coach. “You can never rule anything out in life. See what the situation is. I never say yes or never say no, it’s difficult,” he added.

The Indian cricket board has been searching for a successor to Duncan Fletcher since the Zimbabwean’s tenure expired after the 2014-15 ICC World Cup.

In the absence of a regular head coach, Ravi Shastri – in the capacity of Team Director – is looking after the team with assistance from dedicated batting, bowling and fielding coaches.

Kirsten also defended India ODI captain MS Dhoni ridiculing the calls to change the captain. “Who is going to replace him? What is his (Dhoni’s) one day average (52+)? Best in the world? I can’t understand the thinking.”

He said that Dhoni is one of the greatest players to have ever played and will be regarded as one of India’s great players if not the greatest captain.

Kirsten also added that the recent treatment meted out to Dhoni has been unfair. ”He is one of the greatest players India have ever had. Would they do that to Sachin (Tendulkar)? I think it’s very unfair.” he said.