Here is a hero who is very silent, unassuming but a strong person.. Yes it is Proteas genius (here is another g).. Guru "Gazza" Gary Kirstein.
Cricket is in his genes. Hailing from a cricketing family where his father, brothers all played cricket, naturally the young Gary was no exception to it.. He is an excellent cricketer. Just when apartheid was lifted, Proteas's first visit was to India to play one dayers and test matches. Peter Kirsten went on to play the innings. But, there was a guy watching his brother Peter and growing up under his(Peter's) shadow.. The one and only Gary Kirsten.
A foreword by Jonty Rhodes in his book where in he quoted an incident. - When the Kirsten brothers opened the innings and were playing strong. Gary and Peter were peppered by some hostile bowling by the Aussies such that Glenn's ball hit Gary's brother had to leave the ground to hospital to have his cheekbone operated on. That is when Jonty had seen this man's strong character and doggedness of Gary - setting aside the scene of his brother falling and stretchered off the field behind him and concentrating on the work!.
Such was his determination and will power to play for the nation and succeed!! The determination must have been transfered from his dad. During the years, he earned a good reputation in both one dayers and test matches. He retired in 2004 after playing for 10 years. Perhaps, the only batsman who scored test century against all Test playing nations.
Kirsten is certainly a different coach! India has not seen a coach like that for a long time. He did not come out of any recommendation, nor did he had any experience. He was interviewed, and got selected as Indian team coach. When he signed the contract, every one would have thought him as yet another "foreign" coach. There is a fantasy adding the word "Foreign". He had little or no experience in being a coach. I read somewhere that Ravi Shastri called him for the position of Coach and he was offered post interview. For a long time, India lacked the hard-edge. It definitely was not a Midas' touch that as soon as Gary entered the scene, it was victory all over the place.
He took and gave time to settle down and establish a good rapport with all the team players. It is important at the first place for a coach to be treated as a respected and coach!!. He moved his coins very carefully. Perhaps his success mantra was in giving as much space as they desired to the top players. Surely not letting anyone's I factor on the rise. He instilled the confidence, so called "devil-may-care" attitude and most importantly, he removed the fear that was set in from the minds of Indian players.
In Bhagavad Gita, there is a saying where - "do your duty to the best of your ability". Perhaps it was also in Kirsten's mind. His philosophy was also to prepare hard for the game and forget about the result. That gave a good confidence to all the players.
Kirsten is an excellent motivator. He found out the strengths and weaknesses of each player and asked them to improve and helped them to do so!!. He won the hearts of many players. Seldom you could see such a coach!! It was only during his hugely successful and path-breaking tenure from 2008 to 2011, India rose to the summit of Test Cricket by claiming the number one ranking before embarking on their World cup journey!!
He is approachable, friendly yet a tough man. He has the uncanny knack of being quick enough to put an arm on your shoulder when you are in trouble times. The best part is - He speaks in a postive way and motivates the team!. He has never been tempted by Money, Power or Prestige. In fact, he treats them with disdain. Perhaps that is why he is well suited for the job of a COACH!
He has set clear expectations of how a coach should be. It would really be hard for his successor to sustain the expectations and take the team from there. One marked difference between GK and his predeccessors is that GK is shy to media. He always played his part behind the screens(ground). You could have hardly seen him giving interviews after every match. He spoke only when warranted. His predeccessor Chappell tried his level best to take India to good height.. In the process, he did not work on his fundamentals and missed the essentials!.Being first to media!
Even after the victory, he was calm and composed and duly credited the success to the team's effort. He said "It is humbling to hear that Indians want him to stay on".
He is a perfect family man. As a responsible father and a caring husband, he is leaving to his hometown to spend good quality time with his children and wife. Surely, it was due to their sacrifice, he was able to stay committed and focussed. He admits that humbly and says it is time for him to repay for the family's sacrifices.. Sure shot, the kids have the best dad! " There are lots of lessons for every one of us to be learnt from this silent bald 43 year old young man!
He has set a clear example and would be a role model for all future coaches..He is of the belief that sportsmen can improve only if they want to. Coaches can only facilitate the process. They can not thrust it. A profound truth!. This applies to our lives as well!
One of the best triumvirates the universe has produced till date is the Google team. Perhaps, the next example of a triumvirate would be Kirsten, Dhoni and Tendulkar!.Such a perfect understanding!!!. Gary, you are a real GURU!
