Delhi Daredevils' new coach Gary Kirsten confident of turning the tables

Gary Kirsten

Delhi Daredevils’ new head coach Gary Kirsten feels that his experience with Team India will help him and the Delhi franchise to recuperate from last year’s disastrous campaign, one in which they finished last, and do well this season.

“You have got to come out and do work hard, give it your best shot. Sometimes, when the team has not done well, that is not a bad thing. Because, you have an opportunity to really improve. I am looking forward to the Delhi Daredevils having a successful future,” said Kirsten, who had coached India to the historic 2011 World Cup triumph.

“There is lot of work we have to do, we have to put a squad together. We have to get lot of the pieces of the puzzle in place. I got a bit of experience in India. I am sure it is going to help me. But then, there is no guarantee out there, in terms of performance,” he added.

The Daredevils finished at the bottom of the table in the IPL last year and have now chosen not to retain any players from their side as they head into the auctions next month. Gary Kirsten was signed by the franchise on a three-year deal which starts from 2014. Kirsten has expressed his excitement to take on the job of the head coach.

“I am looking forward to that. It is nice to be back in India. I love this place. People of India have been good to me. I look forward to the new challenge. It is a different place,” he said.

“IPL cricket is different to international cricket. So, I look forward to experiencing that and understanding that. And again, working with some of the young Indian players. I’m looking forward to that. To be in a country that loves the game of cricket like India does, is very exciting.”

When asked about the retirement of the Indian great Sachin Tendulkar, he was full of praise and added that he is an icon from whom he had learnt a lot.

“End of an era of an icon to the game. It was a privilege to have some time to work with him, with the Indian team. I really enjoyed it. I learnt a lot from him,” he said.

When asked to comment on the recent performances of the Indian team, he politely refused before wishing MSD and his men to do well.

“I am not really here to talk about the Indian team. I watch their performances and want them to do well. I credit some good relationships with the guys. I look forward to them doing well,” he said.