SL vs IND Tests | Role reversal — Kirsten seeks to use India experience in Sri Lanka challenge

Gary Kirsten guided India to a few of its best achievements throughout his three-year tenure as head coach. The defining second got here in his closing task, when Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina carried him on their shoulders after India lifted the 2011 Cricket World Cup on the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Kirsten appears again on these years with fondness, whilst he now finds himself within the opposition camp.

As Sri Lanka head coach, he can be plotting India’s downfall when the two-match Check collection begins at Galle on Saturday.

“That was an important three years. There was loads of ability within the crew. What I appreciated was that they accepted me into their house and felt I may add worth. That was an actual privilege,” Kirsten stated throughout a digital interplay on Thursday.

The South African earned widespread reward for his man-management abilities whereas working with a star-studded Indian facet that included Sachin Tendulkar, M.S. Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh.

Kirsten hopes to construct related relationships with the present Sri Lankan squad.

“I’ve handled this Sri Lankan alternative with the identical seriousness that I did the Indian crew. I constructed good relationships with the Indian gamers, and I’m trying to do the identical with the Sri Lankan gamers,” he stated.

The 58-year-old stored his playing cards near his chest when requested about India’s perceived vulnerability towards spin. “We will surely wish to deliver all the abilities into the sport, not simply spin,” Kirsten stated.

The previous opening batter additionally backed India head coach Gautam Gambhir. “His report speaks for itself. I actually loved working with him when he was a participant. He was a really sensible cricketer, and I knew he would have success as a coach,” Kirsten stated.

(Watch Sri Lanka vs. India 1st Check Day 1 on August 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. IST reside on Sony Sports activities Ten 1 SD & HD and Sony LIV).