By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former India head coach and IPL champions Gujarat Titans’ batting coach Gary Kirsten has joined the backroom staff as consultant of the Netherlands team for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.
In addition to Kirsten, the Dutch have roped in Australian all-rounder Dan Christian, a T20 specialist who has played for nearly 20 league teams, including Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Kirsten was coach of the MS Dhoni led side which won the 50 over World Cup in 2011 and he also coached the South Africa’s men’s senior team.
We are very excited to welcome both Gary Kirsten and Dan Christian to our coaching staff for the T20 World Cup,” Royal Dutch Cricket Federation (KNCB) high performance manager Roland Lefebvre said in a statement.
“They bring in a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table which will be of great help in the lead-up to and during the World Cup.” The Dutch team underwent a training camp with Kirsten and his coaching staff at the Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy in Cape Town in late September before leaving for Australia along with head coach Ryan Cook, who has worked closely with the South African in the past.
“I really enjoyed working with the Dutch team in Cape Town and I look forward to joining them as a consultant in the T20 World Cup,” Kirsten, who won the IPL with Gujarat Titans in their debut season this year, said.
Kirsten has previously worked with the Dutch team in 2021 during the Super League series against Ireland.
“I was impressed with the level of skill and professionalism during the camp. They will be ready and determined to make a big impact at the T20 World Cup,” added the 54-year-old, who coached India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title.
The Netherlands are in Group A and take on United Arab Emirates, Namibia and Sri Lanka in the Group stage matches, with the top two teams advancing through to the Super 12s.
The Netherlands will get their T20 World Cup campaign under way against the United Arab Emirates on Sunday (10:00 SA time).