Coach Gary Kirsten talking to his players on the eve of the Perth Test earlier this year PIC/AFP

Selecting the right coach is not an easy task, especially when the man in question has no experience of managing a team.

But the Board of Control for Cricket in India's selection committee seems to have got it right in Gary Kirsten's case.

The former South Africa opener was a high-profile player during his playing days and as a coach, he is winning over the respect of the team with his efficient and calm style of functioning.

While the players deserve all credit for the recent results, the coach has given the perfect behind-the-scene support.

It is not a mere coincidence that the Indian team's consistent performances started after Kirsten joined them in the dressing room for the Test against Australia at Perth.

When a team regroups like the Indians did in Perth after two disappointing losses, it tells you that the team is in the right hands.

Since Kirsten took over, be it against Australia, South Africa or Sri Lanka recently, the team has managed to fight back brilliantly.

Knowledge

The coach is making his presence felt in the Indian dressing room with his knowledge, ability to chalk out gameplans, motivating the players and training regimes.

Most importantly, him not being an 'I, me or mine specialist' has brought him closer to the team.
He is happy to work in the background and let the players hog the limelight.

His values match the Indian culture, which reflects in his concern for his ill mother (suffering from lung cancer). He has opted to be with her when his team is locked in the final game of the Test series in Sri Lanka.
In short, he is ideal for the Indian psyche; a character in the John Wright mould.

There is another advantage having Kirsten as coach no generation gap since he played against most of the senior team members. It has helped him understand the demands of the modern-day cricketer better.
A source close to the team said that he is polite but firm and the seniors trust him. He is not too friendly with the players either and keeps the required distance needed to command respect.

"He has won over the confidence of the players. He is a very good influence on the team. He speaks to the point and doesn't command unnecessary attention. The players like that about him," the source said.
And in the time that Kirsten has been with the team, he has already chalked out definite plans.

"The thing that I liked about the last Test win (at Galle) was that there were contributions from everyone. Our process is long-term. Short-term results are gains that happen but we still believe in what we are doing. We believe that we are going to win more than we lose in the process. Our goal is to see that the Indian team is the best in the world by April next year," said Kirsten yesterday.

It is believed that his scattered practice sessions are a hit with the Indian players as everyone is involved all the time. "They have been player-specific and meaningful," he said.

An example of it was seen in the preparations for the Galle match. Different batsmen were given different strategies to handle Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis.

Different strokes

"Virender Sehwag plays an attacking game since he has the skill and ability to play like that. But for someone like Rahul Dravid, we wouldn't want him to play like that," emphasised Kirsten when asked about the different gameplans.

In the nets on the eve of the second Test, only the main bowlers were used. The quality was good and also the time gap between deliveries made the batsmen feel like they were batting in a match.
To ensure that the team does not suffer due to his sudden departure, he had long sessions with the senior members of the side, preparing them fully for the extra responsibility. He spent close to half-an-hour with Sachin Tendulkar in the hotel lobby.

While handing over the baton to Kumble, he infused enough confidence in the captain. "I have complete faith in what Anil can do. He is well equipped to take over the reins and we had an extensive chat yesterday. He is a fantastic leader and fighter," said Kirsten.

"The big challenge now is to see that the team maintains the performance in the third Test. I can sense that the team is ready to make history."