Gary Kirsten

Calcutta: Gary Kirsten, the Team India coach, was the last to leave the Eden dressing room on Wednesday evening.

On the way out, he was overheard asking for the Meteorological Centre’s forecast for Thursday, the final day of the two-Test series against South Africa, a country he played for with much distinction.

Clearly, it helps to have a pro like Kirsten, hailed as the “world’s best coach” by vice-captain Virender Sehwag.

Realising that, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has “more or less” completed the paperwork to “formalise” a one-year extension.

Kirsten’s existing contract, for two years, ends next month.

According to The Telegraph’s sources, Kirsten isn’t, for now, keen on an extension post the 2011 World Cup.

“You’ve got to remember that Kirsten has a young family and has been quite clear in not committing himself beyond the showpiece tournament... For anything after the next World Cup, the call won’t be made now,” is how one source put it.

Another pointed out that mental conditioning expert Paddy Upton’s contract, too, would be extended by a year only. He came on board on Kirsten’s recommendation.

It couldn’t be confirmed, but it appears Kirsten had a “discussion” with the BCCI secretary, N. Srinivasan, here on Tuesday evening.