Kirsten to be named coach in a week

It’s all but official — Gary Kirsten is set to take over as the Indian team coach. The name of the gritty former South Africa opener has been doing the rounds as the top contender for the job for a week now. And following a meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India here today, it’s clear that Kirsten’s appointment will be announced in a few days’ time.

Speaking to reporters here at Eden Gardens on the sidelines of the ongoing India-Pakistan Test match, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said that Kirsten would join the Indian team midway into the tour of Australia later this winter.

“We are finalising his appointment as the Indian team coach. He will join the team in March, probably towards the end of the Australia series,” Shukla said.

The BCCI vice-president also informed the media that Rajput will be soon be named deputy to Kirsten for future assignments, while the South African will be given a two-year contract.