Gary Kirsten’s tenure as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team from March 2008 to April 2011 is widely regarded as one of the most successful coaching stints in the game. Under his guidance, India climbed to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings and, more memorably, ended a 28-year wait to lift the ODI World Cup in 2011. His influence transformed India into a dominant force in international cricket and he remains one of the most respected coaches in the sport.
Yet, when Gary Kirsten was asked to reflect on his most significant challenge during that storied tenure, he didn’t point to the World Cup win or any major tournament. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, he surprised the audience by recalling a far less glamorous but deeply meaningful moment which was coaxing Ishant Sharma to bat in the nets and then seeing him survive 48 balls in a tense Test match scenario.
Gary Kirsten recounted the story with a mix of pride and humour, explaining that convincing Ishant to take batting seriously was no small task. The tall fast bowler wasn’t known for his skills with the bat and didn’t believe he could contribute meaningfully in that department. Yet, during a critical Test match against Australia in 2010 at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, Ishant’s time at the crease proved decisive. With India teetering at 124 for 8 while chasing 216 in the fourth innings, the match looked all but lost. But what followed was an unlikely and unforgettable partnership.
Ishant joined VVS Laxman who was unbeaten at the other end and together they stitched a crucial 79-run stand for the ninth wicket. Ishant Sharma, who had once needed to be persuaded just to practice batting, faced 92 deliveries with immense grit and scored 31 priceless runs. Laxman, in vintage form, remained not out on 73 from just 79 balls. Their stand turned the tide in India’s favour, setting up a remarkable one-wicket win.
Gary Kirsten considered this episode a highlight of his leadership journey, not because of the runs alone but because of the transformation it represented. For a coach, helping a player confront self-doubt and contribute in unexpected ways is a rewarding experience. Kirsten admitted that Ishant wasn’t and still isn’t renowned for his batting but that day, with determination and belief instilled through support and preparation, he made a difference.
This lesser-known chapter, set against the backdrop of more celebrated victories, underscores the deeper role of a coach, nurturing belief, reshaping mindsets and preparing players to rise when it matters the most. For Gary Kirsten, helping India lift the World Cup may have been the crowning glory but enabling Ishant Sharma to hold his nerve in a crunch Test felt like a personal coaching triumph.
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