Kirsten: IPL bounty could be a big challenge

Gary Kirsten, India's coach-in-waiting, feels the vast and varied sums of money the players have picked up following the Indian Premier League auction may present a new challenge for him.

"The IPL is new territory for all of us. So maybe, the kind of money that's come in presents a new sort of challenge for me," Kirsten, whose India contract starts on March 1, told Cricinfo. But we will focus on that if the need comes."

All the current Indian internationals have been signed up by the eight IPL franchises, with some players attracting much more money than others - while 28-Test-old opener Wasim Jaffer was bought by Bangalore for US$ 150,000, five-Test-old fast bowler Ishant Sharma was snapped up by Kolkata for US$ 950,000.

Kirsten said IPL is a great opportunity for international cricketers, and saw "no reason why it shouldn't succeed". However, the former South Africa opener added that he has no interest "for now" on being part of the Twenty20 tournament starting April 18 as he is focused on the new assignment with the Indian team.

"The IPL is unique because it brings in a new kind of supporter to cricket. It also adds a new dimension to the game. I think it's great," said Kirsten. "But I am clear that it's not for me. Certainly, not now. My focus right now is on getting my plans in place for the Indian team."

Kirsten is currently in Mumbai, meeting BCCI officials about getting new support staff in place for the Indian team following the resignations of physio John Gloster and trainer Gregory King. "There are a couple of names in the mix, but we will have to discuss various options before coming to a decision," said Kirsten.

However, he said that he was very keen on getting his business associate and mental skills coach Paddy Upton on board on a permanent basis. "He brings a tremendous amount of experience into the field, and am sure that will add a lot of value," said Kirsten. Upton has also worked with the South Africa team as a fitness trainer.

Although Kirsten was with the Indian team as a consultant during the recent Test series in Australia, he will begin work on a full-time basis starting with the South Africa tour to India next month.