Former South Africa cricketer Gary Kirsten has shared his experience of coaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) sides.
Kirsten, who is known for guiding Team India to the 2011 World Cup victory, had stints with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the T20 league. However, he failed to produce as productive results as he did for the Indian cricket team from 2008 to 2011.
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“Coaching is very different in the IPL than in any other environment. I’m really enjoying coaching in T20 cricket which requires a different set of skills compared to working with an international team. I think the most successful IPL coaches have been able to create continuity with their playing squad. The relationship between the coach and the owner and the systems they co-create is vital to sustainable success,” Kirsten said in an exclusive chat with Times Now.
The 53-year-old further pointed out that several franchises rope in new coaches and revamp the squad completely, hoping for a quick change in fortunes.
“I believe too many owners employ new coaches and make big changes to their playing squad in the hope that there will be a quick turnaround of results and then ongoing success. Cricket seldom works likes that, especially with the margins for winning and losing so small in an IPL game,” he added.
Gary Kirsten had worked closely with Virat Kohli during his stints with Team India, RCB and he praised the latter for doing a fantastic job for his country as a captain.
“I have really only done one season with him as captain. He is doing a fantastic job for his country. Like any young captain, with more experience and understanding of what it takes, he has got better and better. The are many fantastic match-winners in the Indian team, currently.”
After the T20 World Cup 2021, India head coach Ravi Shastri and his support staff colleagues are expected to part ways with the national team.
When asked if he is interested to re-apply for the post of India’s head coach, Kirsten said: “Not at this stage. I'm involved in a business called CoachED (www.coachedcricket.com) which focuses on providing access to online coaching certification for coaches in academies, schools and associate countries. I'm passionate about coach education and I know, with personal experience, the value of quality coaching for any player. CoachED has afforded me the privileged opportunity to serve the game globally and work with young aspiring coaches."
