Gary Kirsten

Mumbai: Gary Kirsten, for whom Saturday was his last day as the India coach, spoke to The Telegraph on the eve of the World Cup.

The following are excerpts

Life outside cricket...

I love fishing... It’s a huge passion with me. I love going to the river, I love peace and quiet. We are fortunate to have a small place on a river not far from Cape Town... My magical time is there... My elder son (Joshua) loves fishing as well... And James is learning. We can go on a boat and spend hours together... Five-six hours... I love playing golf as well. My handicap is 10... I also love going to the game reserves... I like the open space, the quietness and am happy really going close to nature, getting close to Mother Earth... I’ve managed to do a few things in India and went to Gulmarg last year.

Favourite golfer...

(Smiles) Lots... Ernie Els, Reteif Goosen and more.

If Tiger Woods can get the gloss back on his image...

He has had a tough time in his personal life, but I look at him as a golfer... I love watching him play... Tiger’s a champion and he’s (again) going to win tournaments... Great champions, and he’s one, overcome adversities and go on to further greatness.

Three years as the India coach...

I didn’t have a major-level coaching experience, but I had the simple knowledge... When Sunny (Sunil Gavaskar) got in touch with me, I was in a comfort zone, enjoying running my academy in Cape Town... I accepted the offer, telling myself ‘you need to get out of your comfort zone’... But I was jumping into the deep end, with many people advising me... I had to be true to myself and work as hard as I could... Had to be the person that I am and never compromise on that... As much as I have been able to influence the players, I have learnt so much from them... About the Indian way, the Indian people. One thing that I do want to say is that as much as the players have been respectful of the work I do for them, the players have enjoyed my presence and I have enjoyed their presence... Enjoyed the environment.

Having been welcomed with open arms...

I am grateful and thankful to the Indian people because they accepted me into their culture. That’s absolutely a huge thing because it doesn’t just happen (straightaway)... You don’t come as a foreigner expecting everyone to be nice to you... So, I’ve been humbled by the attitude of the Indian people in accepting me... Regardless of what happens in the World Cup, it will leave me with extremely fond memories of working in India.

Family’s views on India...

My wife (Deborah) embraced this country, loved it from the moment she arrived here. Travelling through India was never an issue and it has been a remarkable three years. It will always leave a little emotional thing for us as a family, but I’ve taken the right decision. I’d like to leave with awesome memories. I have never thought about the results, for they take care of themselves... We are going to win more than we lose, because this is a very good team.

Indian food...

You know, I tell people that I eat more healthy in India than I do in South Africa! I’ve actually been eating a lot of vegetarian dishes... Can’t remember their names, though. In South Africa, we have a tendency to eat too much meat.

Familiarity with Hindi...

(Laughs) I understand a little bit... I have tried to pick it up from the players, but I’m not good at languages. In any case, the players understand English.

Finally, on Deborah, who has been a “rock” in their marriage...

I met her in 1996, in Cape Town, in social circles... I was ready to marry the first day that I met her... I was at the right age, but she was a bit cautious of cricketers... So, it took a little long to convince her... I eventually convinced her at a movie... She’ll kill me for this, but I don’t remember the name... I was the talker that day... After that, we went out again and again... Three years later, we got married.