Coach Gary Kirsten, who was in charge when India won the 2011 Cricket World Cup, has backed Gautam Gambhir amid criticism. Of late, the Indian cricket team was clean swept by Ireland in a two-match T20I series before being outplayed by England by a 4-0 margin in yet another disappointing outing in the format. The India head coach has been under the scanner for the team’s poor performances, especially in Test and T20Is. Under Gambhir, the team suffered whitewashes at the hands of New Zealand and South Africa.
He has won a T20 World Cup (2026) and the ICC Champions Trophy (2025). He’s also had success in the IPL (Gambhir was the team mentor for the 2024 IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders). Kirsten coached India from 2008 to 2011, which included the World Cup glory that saw the side defeat Sri Lanka in the final to clinch the prestigious trophy after a wait of 28 years. Gambhir, who was active as an international cricketer from 2003 to 2016, also played under Kirsten’s coaching. India and Sri Lanka are set to play a two-match Test series, starting August 15 in Galle. The second and final game of the series will begin on August 23 in Colombo.
He’s a smart cricketer and I knew he’d have success as a coach,” Kirsten told Times of India . “I’ve approached the Sri Lankan role with the same seriousness,” he said. “He’s a fantastic coach. He’s had incredible success. His record speaks for itself. I really enjoyed working with him when he was a player. In April this year, Kirsten took over the role of head coach for the Sri Lanka national team.
