« Back to article

Print this article

Fletcher will offer value to Team India: Kirsten

Duncan Fletcher's appointment as coach of the Indian cricket team is a positive change, as the Zimbabwean brings a wealth of experience to the table, feels former coach Gary Kirsten.

- Meet Duncan Fletcher, Team India's new coach

The 62-year-old Zimbabwean, who coached England with mixed results from 1999 to 2007, replaced a hugely successful Kirsten, who set a high benchmark for the Indian team and completed his stint with the memorable World Cup triumph.

'Fletcher's apppointment a positive change'

"I did spend some time with Duncan and he asked some good questions about my process and time with the Indian side. He will have his own ideas about coaching the Indian side; it's good, it will be a positive change," said Kirsten.

- 'Duncan Fletcher coaches very much like Kirsten'

"He has had great success with other teams, so I have no doubt he will arrive and offer value to the India team. I can only offer my experiences and he takes what he would like to on board," added the former South African opener, on the ICC's Cricket World Radio Show.

'The Indian players will enjoy working with Fletcher'

He praised Fletcher's coaching style while recollecting memories when he was coached by the former Zimbabwe captain.

"Duncan has been a very successful coach and I was even coached by him early on in my career.

- Fletcher could come a cropper with India: Swann

"I know about him and how he operates. I think he is going to enjoy working with the Indian team and the Indian players will enjoy working with him," he said.

'India is a second home to me'

Kirsten also did not rule out the possibility of returning to India as coach.

"I don't think I won't go back to India; it's a second home to me.

- Videos: Kirsten says goodbye to Team India 

"Whether it's as a coach in the IPL, or coming to meet up with friends, or to speak for a work conference, I think I will always come back as it's a country I enjoy being in," he said.