Date:18/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/18/stories/2008031850972100.htm

Sport - Cricket

Kirsten optimistic

Principal Correspondent

Bangalore: India’s new cricket coach Gary Kirsten expressed optimism over the host’s chances against South Africa though he added that the visiting team would be well prepared.

“The Indian team is going from strength to strength and I would like to see the momentum continuing from the Australian tour. And now at home if we can win a series against a team like South Africa, we can then say that this team is certainly on the right road.

“South Africa is a competitive team, playing good cricket and they have always played well here. Their preparation will be good and they got some exciting young fast bowlers and some experienced batsmen,” Kirsten said.

The former South African batsman also stressed that his heart would be with India.

“I finished (as a player) with the South African team four years ago. I have moved on and have a job to do here and as we know with cricket coaches around the world, your job is on the line from day one. I want the Indian team to put in a convincing performance against the South Africans,” Kirsten said, besides praising Anil Kumble and M.S. Dhoni’s leadership styles and added that India “left Australia with enormous amount of pride knowing that they went to a foreign country and performed exceptionally well.”

Eye on the future

Kirsten also stressed on handling experienced players with care while also keeping an eye on the future.

“The Test side, weighted towards experience, is performing well. It’s important to have these experienced guys around. But you cannot have five guys retiring at once, it will be tough. We have to do some thinking around that.

“A young batsman at some stage has to make a mark but there is no rush for that. You need to have an exit plan for experienced players and it is important that they are also involved in it.

“A couple of these players have left legacies behind, provided massive entertainment to the people and have been role models. They deserve an exit plan. I would like to be instrumental in a couple of these senior players having an exit strategy in which Indian cricket can help them leave in a happy space,” Kirsten added.