The invisible man
Just like Table Mountain in his native Cape Town, Gary Kirsten has proved to be India's own benevolent uncle—quietly watching over the team from the background
Judhajit
25-Feb-2013
Just like Table Mountain in his native Cape Town, Gary Kirsten has proved to be India's own benevolent uncle—quietly watching over the team from the background. His model is perhaps the best example of how to make a positive impact on a unit of talented, but wildly individualistic, players. Kunal Pradhan in the Indian Express chronicles the journey so far for the Indian coach.
Strongly influenced by Bob Woolmer during his playing days, Kirsten’s coaching style is similar, encouraging players to self-analyse rather than insisting on telling them what’s wrong with their technique.
If a player asks for help, even if Kirsten has spotted something, he is most likely to say, “I don’t know. What do you think about it?” No pedantic lectures, no stressing on the importance of keeping your head still and your eyes on the ball. Discussions with him, players say, are on more equal terms in comparison with Chappell and more in-depth in comparison with John Wright.