Gary Kirsten expresses confidence in beleaguered India coach Gambhir, calling him an exceptional leader.

MUMBAI: As India faces potential challenges in their World Test Championship journey, head coach Gautam Gambhir has found himself under increasing scrutiny from cricket enthusiasts. However, support has emerged from an unexpected source—Gary Kirsten, the current coach of Sri Lanka and a former mentor to Gambhir during his playing days. In a recent virtual press conference, Kirsten defended Gambhir, highlighting his impressive coaching credentials.

Kirsten, who led the Indian team to significant victories from 2008 to 2011, praised Gambhir's track record, stating, “He’s a fantastic coach. He’s had incredible success. He has won a T20 World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy. His achievements in the IPL, particularly as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders, further underscore his capabilities.” The South African coach expressed his admiration for Gambhir, noting, “I really enjoyed working with him when he was a player. He’s a smart cricketer, and I knew he’d have success as a coach.”

Despite India's recent struggles against quality spin bowling, Kirsten refrained from disclosing specific strategies that Sri Lanka might employ to exploit this weakness. Instead, he emphasized the importance of focusing on their own skills and execution. “We would like to bring all our skills into the game, not just spin,” he remarked. “Whether you’re a seamer or a spinner, executing your skills properly is crucial. We’ve done our homework on India and identified areas we may be able to exploit, but cricket unfolds session by session, and you adapt accordingly.”

When questioned about India's batting difficulties against spin, Kirsten maintained a diplomatic stance, redirecting the conversation to Sri Lanka's preparations. “I’m not here to judge the Indian team,” he stated. “They are a quality side with tremendous depth. Our responsibility is to ensure we’re ready in terms of skill execution and strategy.” He also downplayed the notion that their game plan would revolve solely around left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who has excelled at home. “Every bowler has a role to play,” he added, acknowledging Jayasuriya's talent while emphasizing a collective approach.

A passionate advocate for Test cricket, Kirsten expressed his desire for longer series, stating, “I’m a Test match purist. I love Test cricket. Every country should play at least 10 Tests a year.” Reflecting on his own experience of playing over 100 Tests, he noted the challenges posed by modern scheduling but underscored the importance of maintaining a robust Test calendar.

Additionally, Kirsten welcomed Sri Lanka Cricket's initiative to offer free entry for spectators during the series, emphasizing that fuller stadiums enhance the overall experience. “It’s better to have people in the stadiums than no one,” he concluded, highlighting the positive impact of fan engagement on the sport.