‘It’s a honour to be a part of Indian cricket’

Newly appointed Indian cricket coach Gary Kirsten described the high-profile job as a ‘real challenge’.

Newly appointed Indian cricket coach Gary Kirsten landed in Bangalore for his first interaction with the players since taking up the high-profile job which he described as a ‘real challenge’.

The former South African opener, who accepted a two-year contract offered by the BCCI earlier this week, said he had played a lot of cricket in India but now that he was a part of the set up, he wanted to understand the Indian culture better.

“It’s great to be back. I am looking forward to the work and am looking forward to meeting up with the guys. I’ve just come here to meet the players and really just to observe what they do,” he said at the airport.

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The 40-year-old Kirsten, South Africa’s batting mainstay during his playing days in the ’90s, said he had not put any plan in place for the team yet.

“I am not putting any plans in place. I am just here to see how they play there cricket. I have played a lot of cricket against India but now I am a part of the set up, so now I need to see how they work and understand,” he said.

The former South African player said it was a great honour to be associated with the Indian cricket.

“I am looking forward to it. It’s a real challenge but it’s a great honour too. I am looking forward to be a part of the Indian culture and specially from the cricket perspective how much the people love the game in this country. I understand that they want their team to win and perform. There is a pressure around the players, but that’s the part and parcel of international sport,” Kirsten said.

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On whether he was planning to bring in mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton as part of the support staff, he said, “nothing is confirmed yet. He has not signed anything, yet. Mental aspect is very important in sports today, many people do not understand that.”

Clad in a T-shirt, Kirsten appeared relaxed and was mobbed by the waiting mediapersons as soon as he stepped out of the airport.

A handful of cricket fans had also gathered at the airport to greet Kirsten with placards such as ‘Welcome Mr Kirsten’ and ‘Welcome Gary’.

Kirsten is expected to remain in the city for a couple of days during which he will not only interact with the players but also have discussion with the support staff. He will also seek inputs from Lalchand Rajput, who is currently the cricket manager and has been appointed assistant coach for the upcoming tour of Australia.