India’s World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten stated that it is the coach’s responsibility to make his team succeed and not just focus on the individuals. In fact, there is no denying the fact that the coach must bring out the best of his players to get the right results for the team. The coach must ensure that there is a cordial environment in the dressing room.
Kirsten believes it is imperative to give space to the players to make them perform at the top of their mark. In fact, it won’t be wrong that experienced players like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli don’t need to be coached but is more about managing them on the right path.
Gary Kirsten is regarded as one of the best coaches.
Kirsten, who led India to glory in the 2011 World Cup feels there are a lot of things which a coach must keep in mind. The coach’s job is to manage all the players and give them the right training opportunities.
“Coaches require a variety of skillsets which allow them to have oversight in every segment of running a professional cricket team,” Kirsten told daily-sun.
“This includes season and tournament preparation, man-management, building a team culture, managing relationships, recruitment, contracting, strategy, recruitment and management of support staff, practice and training facilities, media commitments, team logistics, team feedback loops and debriefs, consultants and all other services linked to a high-performance professional sports team,” he added.
In fact, it is crucial to managing different personalities differently. Yuvraj Singh had recently mentioned that if he is the coach then he would take out Hardik Pandya for a drink at 10 pm whereas he will say Good night to Jasprit Bumrah at 9 pm. Kirsten added it is pivotal to win the confidence of the players so that they can follow the guidelines without any second thought.
“Coaches need to be able to successfully manage all different types of personalities so that each player has an opportunity to thrive. The coach is also trying to set a high performing team environment and has a responsibility for the success of the team and not only individuals.”
“Every new coach needs support from players who can drive the new culture or way of doing things. This can take time and win these players over, requires trust, transparency, and good connections. We expect too much from coaches in a short time,” he said.
Gary Kirsten is regarded as one of the best coaches and his leadership skills were palpable in the 2011 World Cup. The former South African opener also has the experience of coaching in the IPL and BBL.