Gary Kirsten Reflects on Memorable Moments Beyond the 2011 World Cup
A Look Back at Gary Kirsten's Coaching Journey
Gary Kirsten, the former coach of the Indian cricket team who played a pivotal role in India's 2011 World Cup victory under MS Dhoni, has shared that his fondest memory from his coaching days isn't the trophy lift. In a recent interview, Kirsten reminisced about a lesser-known yet significant moment from his coaching period from 2008 to 2011.
Interestingly, Kirsten considers the partnership between VVS Laxman and Ishant Sharma during the 2010 Mohali Test as more memorable than the World Cup win. He recounted, "One highlight in my three years with the Indian team was getting Ishant Sharma to come down to the nets with his batting pads and then to get him to face 48 balls in the Test match against Australia with VVS Laxman to win the game. That was a highlight for me to work on his batting."
Kirsten expressed pride in helping Ishant, who doubted his batting skills, perform well in that crucial match. He also commended Gautam Gambhir for his coaching skills, especially after India drew the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2–2. Kirsten had previously coached Gambhir during his notable 97-run innings in the 2011 World Cup final, stating, "I’m really happy for the Indian cricket team for levelling the series and it’s great for Indian cricket. I’m really pleased for Gautam Gambhir as well, I know him well. Really delighted and pleased for what he’s achieved with the team."
Kirsten concluded by expressing excitement about the current Indian team, highlighting the emergence of talented young players.
The Dramatic Mohali Test
The first Test of the 2010–11 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, held in Mohali from October 1–5, 2010, saw India achieve a thrilling one-wicket victory against Australia. Australia scored 428 in their first innings and 192 in the second, while India responded with 405 in their first innings and chased down 216 in the fourth, finishing at 216/9.
During the chase, India found themselves in a precarious position at 124/8 when VVS Laxman and Ishant Sharma joined forces. Despite battling a severe back injury, Laxman scored an unbeaten 73 off 79 balls, while Ishant contributed 31 off 92 balls. Their remarkable 81-run partnership for the ninth wicket turned the match around, with Laxman needing Suresh Raina to run for him yet still managing to rotate the strike effectively.
As the tension mounted after Ishant's dismissal, India was left with just one wicket remaining. The final 3.2 overs became a nail-biting affair as tail-ender Pragyan Ojha, with Laxman guiding him, managed to secure the win. This victory marked one of the narrowest wins in Test cricket history and remains a celebrated comeback in Indian cricket.