Wanderer Who Won in Wankhede

In the southern hemisphere summer of 1996, an astute southpaw would construct a crafty century in Newlands to pile up a mammoth total which would eventually bury a lack-lustre Indian side. In the previous test, he would pluck a blinder out of thin air to dismiss Sachin Tendulkar, who was the only wicket at that time, followed by a tail as long as Hanuman’s. 15 years later, times have changed. Australia won 3 world cups and dominated the game in Nazi fashion, Indians won test matches abroad and learnt to become fierce competitors and South Africans choked on a regular basis in between shades of brilliance. But the same southpaw persevered and finally lay hands on the coveted trophy as a coach, Gary Kirsten.

For Kirsten, nothing was a cake walk. South Africa was the worst place to be in the late 80’s if you were playing cricket. They weren’t on the ICC map, and there wasn’t any guarantee that they would appear in the near future. However, South Africa made a brilliant comeback to international cricket in 1992 World Cup, and nearly plucked the cup too till calculators came in the way, and sabotaged their party.

Kirsten was an industrious batsman never shy of sweating it out in the middle. Sans the might of Hayden, the exuberance of Lara or the batting poetry of Ganguly, he along with Chanderpaul and Andy Flower were a trio who were never glamorous, but were relentless in their mission of churning out runs at diverse times and conditions. In a decade of Kirsten’s Career, one would have to think hard to come up with dismissals where the bowler was lucky and Gary threw it away. Bowlers had to earn his wicket, and they sure did sweat profusely in their attempt to do so.

Sadly, Kirsten’s career culminated at a time when South African Cricket was in turmoil. They were eliminated in the round-robin stages of their first World Cup as hosts, and veteran players were wary of donning the captain’s cap. Gary realized that it was time to walk out, before ill talks came out.

Ironically, Kirsten arrived in India during testing times; although India should be given credit for the way they clawed back after the 2007 debacle. They had won the inaugural twenty 20 World Cup which created a frenzy among the nation. Dhoni emerged from the ruins, becoming the most astute captain of the game. They had also performed exceedingly well down under, managing to win the ODI series by ousting the mighty Aussies. These memorable victories paved the way for Gary Kirsten to kick-start his mission of winning the next world cup.

Gary Kirsten’s stint as the Indian coach had its share of woes. Finale stutters in tri(vial) series, which in turn stirred talks about the monkey of losing the final jumping from one Coach’s back to another, series losses in Sri Lanka, couple of drawn series with South Africa, a champion’s trophy debacle, all combined to hit India hard. But the real knockout punch was given by T20 cricket.

Somehow, T20 cricket reminds one of a family’s youngest kid; it looks cute and lovable, but it is also troublesome. India realized that under Kirsten, not once but twice. Kirsten blamed the IPL in both cases, and Dhoni denied the obvious. It was crystal clear that the players were drained, and the batting came as a cropper against the short pitch bowling of strong sides. In the 2009 tournament, India managed wins only against the minnows, and in the 2010 edition; surrendered games which should have been won. In both tournaments, India hardly looked the favourites, and in some ways the IPL was made a scapegoat for poor team selection. Jadeja, Vijay, Pathan seemed like a pride of lions on the prowl in the subcontinent, but were reduced to a group of timid cats in the moist conditions of England and the placid tracks of Caribbean.

Kirsten didn’t panic, he gave players freedom. Under him, Sachin looked like he possessed a time machine through which he had teleported us back in time. Dravid and Laxman looked relaxed, and Dhoni was giving Midas a complex, with this gold-turning acts. Kirsten also made some important decisions. He ousted Yuvraj from the test side and persisted with him in ODI’s, strengthened India’s fielding battery, and played a vital role in the rise of Kohli and Raina. Under him, legends like Kumble and Ganguly departed, but he made the transition look seamless.

Soon, Victories started becoming regularity. India under Kirsten achieved feats that it seldom did. They won tests in New Zealand, started winning ODI’s with ease, reached the pinnacle of test cricket and most importantly, snatched matches from hopeless situations. Although India displayed its defensive mindset in high pressure games, this side looked like a world beater. Meanwhile, Kirsten played down the hype, he was wary of one billion expectations and he made sure the players weren’t affected by it. He appointed adventurers for pep talks, and innovated drills which strengthened the mental side of the players. The entire nation was ready and waiting, for the cup, which had evaded Indian hands for nearly three long decades.

India, under Kirsten came out and played a near perfect World Cup. They peaked at the right time, bowled at the right areas, and knocked the Aussies out. Seniors raised their hands at important junctures, and Mr. Luck made an occasional visit. Kirsten maintained a low profile throughout, taking defeats in his stride and victories with caution. There were times when it looked as if India would repeat the same old tale, but Kirsten’s team had reached levels of mental fitness, which could never wilt, even under extreme pressure.

In the end, Kirsten was carried on shoulders; a gesture which only one in a million get. It was a job well done, with great integrity and maturity. Kirsten, a small man himself, has left large boots to fill. And only time will tell whether the Zimbabwean can match his neighbour’s success.

Looking ahead, Kirsten takes up the mantle of coaching his country, a team which has perennially underperformed. But with Kirsten, the first thing he would do is change the mindset of the players. The chokers tag has to be eradicated, not from people’s mind but from the player’s minds. And none better than Kirsten can do it.