Kirsten to quit as coach after WC?

Personal needs may prevent Kirsten from staying on as coach after 2011 World Cup

Personal needs may prevent Kirsten from staying on as coach after 2011 World Cupu00a0

Don't be surprised if India coach Gary Kirsten quits the high-profile job after the 2011 World Cup. The former South Africa opener is already thinking on those lines. Kirsten revealed the primary reason for his departure would be to adhere to the needs of his family.

Gary Kirsten with son Joshua during an optional training session ahead of the third and final cricket Test against Sri Lanka, in Mumbai on November 29, 2009. PIC/AFP

After India's 40-run win over New Zealand in the first one-day international here yesterday, Kirsten spoke to MiD DAY during his walk from the Nehru Stadium to the team hotel.

Big reason
Asked whether he was contemplating renewing his contract after the mega event in the sub-continent in February-March next year, he said: "I haven't made a decision, but there will be only one reason for not renewing the contract."

It is learnt that Kirsten misses being around with his family a lot. He has two sons; the older one is seven while the younger is two.

"If I quit, it will be only because of them. I haven't met them for so long. It is difficult to bring them to India because they have their education to complete in South Africa," he said, explaining why it would be difficult for his family to migrate to India.

Senior cricketers such as Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni have already expressed their desire to have Kirsten continue as coach. Acknowledging this, Kirsten said: "I love India very much." Meanwhile, Kirsten said Virat Kohli, who was adjudged the man-of-the-match yesterday for his fourth ODI hundred, has a bright future: "He has improved his game tremendously. He has shown the ability to build an innings. Also, he has kept a cool head under pressure."