Gary Kirsten

Bangalore: Gary Kirsten, Team India’s outgoing coach, spoke to The Telegraph here in the lead-up to the World Cup. Clearly, he’s been a game-changer off the field.

The following are excerpts from the one-on-one

Q With the World Cup just days away, what are your thoughts and emotions?

A (Enthusiastically) The team and I are looking forward to the tournament... It was good to get a short break (after the South Africa tour) and it’s good to be back with the players... The preparations have begun and our first meeting focused on how we’re going to approach the World Cup mentally.

How would that be?

We’ll leave that out of this interview! All I’ll say is that there was clarity.

Generally, what should India’s approach be?

The team should go about its business in the manner it has for the last three years... It’s important to stick to the processes and, secondly, to prepare in the best possible manner. By doing that, we will be giving ourselves the best chance of doing well.

The levels of tension and excitement are bound to be higher before and during such a mega tournament...

Look, I’m clear about how the World Cup should be approached... If that brings the result we’re all looking for, then well and good. If not, I’ll at least be comfortable knowing that we gave everything. To add, I’m very confident about our processes and how the team prepares. One can’t look beyond what isn’t in one’s own hands.

Do you, too, feel that we’re the favourites?

Like any other team in the tournament, the goal is to win... At the end of the day, the boys know what is to be achieved, which is a good thing. That known, one now has to prepare in a manner which would provide the best chance of actually winning the World Cup.

The momentum factor...

Yes, one has to look at winning every match as one has to stack up right... Right now, we aren’t looking too far down the road. That will come later... It’s about climbing a ladder step-by-step... Bottom line is that one has to play (particularly) well at certain times. I’m confident that there are players in this team who can play well in those situations... In the lead-up to the tournament, I have confidence in their ability... They’ve proved themselves many times.

As a player, how did you approach the 2003 World Cup at home (South Africa)?

What I remember most is that we didn’t play well... But it was also a learning experience... There’s so much around a big tournament, but the basics remain the same — to win, you’ve got to play good cricket at crucial times.

[South Africa, it may be recalled, failed to qualify for the Super Six and Shaun Pollock got sacked from the captaincy.]

Is there a formula for success?

(Laughs) If there was, somebody would’ve packaged it and made millions in the supermarkets... For a team to be successful, momentum is important... Players have to step up to the plate... Self-belief is important... It has all been said before, so it’s about turning those words into action.

The end of the World Cup will mark the end of your three years as the coach. The next few weeks, I assume, are going to be tough emotionally...

Yes, it will be a bit more emotional... I’ve had a really good time with this set-up... However, as a family, my wife (Deborah) and I had decided that I’d be with Team India for three years and no more... I have young sons (Joshua, James) and they need a father at home...

Have you been touched by the accolades which keep coming your way?

I’m very respectful of the praise... As you know, I’m a low-key sort of a guy... It’s the players who deserve the kudos, they’re the ones who do the business, my job is to only prepare... I’ve been working with an exceptional bunch, players who value winning matches for their country... They place a high value on doing so.

Going by what the players have been saying, your extended family is going to miss you. Today, what are your feelings?

Oh, I’m going to miss the guys terribly... I’ve forged good connections, become friends with them... I’ll miss this special time I’ve had with Team India.

What was your priority when you took charge in March 2008?

Creating a happy environment.

You’ve succeeded...

Yes, I think so... I wanted the boys to play the kind of cricket they wanted to, within the team’s goals... Wanted them to respect themselves and to respect others... Wanted them to realise that they weren’t playing for themselves, but for a bigger cause... They’ve been exceptional over the past three years, giving many moments of joy to the country.

One of the exceptionals has been Sachin Tendulkar. What do you have to say?

That I haven’t come across a better role model in sport... He handles himself so well, there’s humility in him, not arrogance.

You’ve shared a terrific rapport with the captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni...

He’s been an exceptional leader, a vital cog in the wheel. Obviously, I’m going to miss the relationship we’ve built.

Have you thought of what you intend doing?

I’ll have to work, after a complete break... Of course, my academy (in Cape Town) is going to be a priority. I’d like it to offer something to the sport internationally... There will be opportunities around and I’ll have to be smart with my decision-making.

There’s talk that the Mumbai Indians have approached you. Is that correct?

I have been approached by some of the IPL franchises, but I’m not available this season... I need to have a cooling off period before getting involved, in any capacity, with cricket in India. Next season (IPL V) will be different.

Finally, how best would you describe your three years with Team India?

(Unusually emotionally) A humbling experience... A truly remarkable and enjoyable journey.