By IANS
Bangalore : India cricket team’s new coach Gary Kirsten arrived here Friday evening to meet the players during the third Test against Pakistan starting Saturday – and possibly to formally sign his contract with the Indian board during his stay.
“I am part of the set-up, so I have to see how it (system) works. During the Test I will get to know the players and observe what they do,” Kirsten told reporters.
“I wanted to know them better before I take over as coach after completing my pending work in South Africa,” said the former South Africa opening batsman.
Kirsten also said that he would formally take over the reins sometime during India’s tour of Australia starting Dec 20, while cricket manager Lalchand Rajput, who guided India to the Twenty20 World Championship in September, will remain with the team.
On whether or not he has signed the contract, Kirsten said: “I have not signed anything yet.”
“I know it’s a very high profile job, but I am confident of delivering the goods after taking the in-puts from the present support staff, including bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad, fielding coach Robin Singh and manager Rajput,” he said.
Around 20 people, including Rajput, had applied for the post that became vacant in March, when Greg Chappell decided against seeking renewal of his contract at the end of his two-year tenure.
Kirsten was the surprise choice, as he had not even applied for the job.
Former India players Ravi Shastri, Chandu Borde and Rajput have been the temporary cricket managers of the team on tours of Bangladesh, England, South Africa and the home series against Australia and Pakistan.