‘Kirsten is just right for India’

He started off as a fast bowler and ended up bowling left-arm spin.

He started off as a fast bowler and ended up bowling left-arm spin. But South Africa’s Nicky Boje will be remembered more for his involvement in the match-fixing scandal than for his 196 international wickets in Tests and ODIs.

Having refused to tour India after the Hansie Cronje controversy, Boje has packed up his kit and landed here again — not to meet Delhi Police officials but to participate in the Indian Cricket League for the Hyderabad Heroes. He spoke to The Indian Express about South Africa’s tour of India, new India coach Gary Kirsten and the ICL.

Excerpts:

How do you rate South Africa’s chances in the Test series starting this month?

•Both teams will be on a high. South Africa performed well against Bangladesh and India outshone the Aussies Down Under. It’ll be a good contest. The fact that South Africa have toured the sub-continent prior to the Indian tour will help them adapt to Indian conditions. But with Gary Kirsten having played with some of the present South African players, he will know the methods employed by them. These details will enrich the Indian team and Gary’s expertise will help.

What do you think will be South Africa’s biggest weakness?

• I think with Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and Makhaya Ntini back in the side, the side looks quite formidable. But we know India have spinner-friendly tracks, where South Africans will miss having experienced spinners. Paul Harris and Robin Peterson are quality spinners. In fact left-arm spinner Robin Peterson, who had figures of five for 33 in South Africa’s innings victory over Bangladesh in the second Test, has shown promise. But when you see Indian spinners in Harbhajan and Kumble, the difference is evident.

How much can Kirsten help India as coach over the next few years?

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•Gary is an amazing person with a lot of cricket experience behind him. Though the Indian team is doing well even without a coach (laughs), Gary’s alliance will certainly work wonders. He is superb in man-management and knows what he is doing. Team India will relish the time spent with him and will gel well with him. He is just right for India. They will move in the right direction under him.

Are things between you and the Delhi Police settled now?

•Yes, during my last trip to India, I met the Delhi Police officials and they had some questions. I answered whatever they asked me. I believe they were satisfied with my replies.

How has your experience in the Indian Cricket League been so far?

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• I’m enjoying being part of ICL. Keeping in mind the way it took off, it has progressed incredibly well. With more international cricketers coming into this edition, it has become more competitive and exciting.

What are your plans after ICL?

•I look forward to my stint as Nottinghamshire skipper in the English county season.