Cricket lovers could well be uttering these words after the coach let fly at the World T20 flop show. But Kirsten is batting on a bouncy wicket too. Here's why
"He is a good coach, the only coach who doesn't get upset. He has taught us how to play short-pitched bowling. He's been a great help."
It was only last Tuesday when India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni uttered these words when this correspondent asked him about the kind of contribution coming from coach Gary Kirsten to solve India's problems with short-pitched bowling after the team lost to Sri Lanka in St Lucia. After all, Kirsten hails from South Africa where pitches are known to be bowler-friendly.
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In denial
The Board of Control for Cricket in India will try its best to ensure the report is not leaked but there can be no doubt that Kirsten is a livid man. Sources close to the team told MiD DAY that the coach lost his cool when certain players were not willing to admit that they were unfit. Once they were in denial, there was no question about adopting any corrective measures.
Kirsten's outburst has surprised a few players but the man himself can't understand why his stance has shocked them. For, Kirsten has always put a lot of emphasis on fitness and the critical aspect of taking pride in one's performance.
The on-going controversy could well lead to a rift between the coach and the players. Coaches who tell it like it is have seldom been accepted well in the dressing room and while toughie Kirsten will have no problems in digesting this fact, there can be no doubt that player power ultimately wins.
Kirsten's chat with the players was behind closed doors and they won't take kindly to the fact that those strong words have come out in the open. It is also learnt that Kirsten told some of them that they were not fit to play any sport leave along the T20 form of cricket.
Several players who played under Greg Chappell (2005 to 2007) held the view that the Australian was a fine coach but he didn't possess great man-management skills. Even the media believed so. In Kirsten's case, the players have great regard for his tactical inputs as well as the manner in which he handled them. Will the Caribbean outburst change that view? It could well do. However, Kirsten's contract lasts till the end of next year's World Cup and the BCCI would do well to ensure that the coach and players work well in tandem.
Indian teams over the years have had problems dealing with authority and many a time enjoy the support of Board officials in undermining the coach's influence.
Not impressed
Some Board members were not impressed with Kirsten opting for current bowling coach Eric Simmons when a far more reputed fast bowler - Allan Donald - was available to boost India's bowling stocks. This will not add up to Kirsten's support system within the corridors of the establishment.
Come to think of it, Kirsten could be batting on his very own difficult wicket which has some pace and bounce.
And lovers of Indian cricket could well be saying, "carry on, Gary!"
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