Wright reckons India coach Kirsten better than him

PTI, March 12,2009

 

Hamilton, Mar 12 (PTI) Former India coach John Wright reckons incumbent Gary Kirsten is better than him as a motivator and says Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men have what it takes to become the top team in both Tests and one-dayers.

 

Former South Africa opening batsman Kirsten joined the Indian team as coach last year, replacing the controversial Greg Chappell, and steered the side to Test series wins over Australia and England apart from a number of series triumphs in one-dayers.

 

"Oh he's (Kirsten) probably better, well I know he did score more runs than me. He is very thoughtful and very passionate and I think he understands the importance and the privilege of coaching India," said Wright, who was India's coach from 2000 to 2005.

 

"And you have to understand how things work. You bring some ideas from outside India but there is also an understanding of how things are best handled and getting to know your players and keeping them contented and happy and confident and being able to correct them when they need to," Wright told reporters.

 

Wright, currently a New Zealand selector, also felt the support staff that works with Kirsten has given the team a professional approach. PTI