Gary Kirsten, who was the coach of India from 2008 and under whom India lifted the 2011 World Cup following a hiatus of 28 years, said that it was a privilege to work with one of the best leaders, besides thanking him for providing him with many fond memories. He left coaching India after India’s win in 2011. Under his able coaching and guidance, India won the Asia Cup in 2010 and then ended their 28-year wait to win the 50-over World Cup for the second time in 2011.
Gary Kirsten also revisited a past statement that emphasized their bond and stressed the strong relationship which they shared while he coached India between 2008 and 2011. The 52-year-old former coach thanked MS Dhoni for all the good memories that he made remembering during the former’s tenure.
Gary Kirsten Says That It Was A Privilege To Work With MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is the only captain in cricket history to win all three premier ICC events-2007 T20I World Cup, 2011 World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy. MS Dhoni, apart from the three premier titles, has also won the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups and it was during his tenure that India was ranked no.1 in tests.
His retirement triggered a number of tributes with both former and current cricketers praising him for his role as a finisher, his unorthodox captaincy, and his skills behind the wicket.
A privilege to work with one of the best leaders I have come across. Thanks MS for many fond memories with the Indian Cricket Team. @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/WRNY1N7IVe
— Gary Kirsten (@Gary_Kirsten) August 17, 2020
Gary Kirsten played for South Africa from 1993 to 2004. He featured in 101 Tests and 185 ODIs where he averaged more than 40. He was appointed coach and was awarded a two-year contract. He officially took charge on the 1st of March 2008 and the then captain MS Dhoni described him as the best thing to happen to Indian cricket prior to the start of the South African tour in 2010.
Gary Kirsten Want To Go To War With MS Dhoni In His Side
Gary Kirsten built a strong relationship with MS Dhoni during his tenure as Indian coach and revisited a statement that read: “I would go to war with Dhoni by my side.”
MS Dhoni’s retirement saw an avalanche of emotional tributes penned by former and current cricketers. But, it is not known to many that the Indian Territorial Army has conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel to MS Dhoni and is the 2nd Indian after Kapil Dev to receive the honour. It becomes pertinent that in August 2019, MS Dhoni had completed a two-week stint with the Territorial Army in Jammu and Kashmir.