Kirsten,the difference between us and them

Guru Gary: Man who helped india lift 2011 World Cup plots downfall in 2012

Gary Kirsten was the difference between India and the rest during the 2011 World Cup. A year later in another global event,he made the difference to India as well but this time in plotting the downfall of MS Dhoni amp; Co.

On Wednesday,as the coach of the South African side,he sat in the opposite dugout,but was the first to stand up and console Dhonis men after they failed to make the semi-finals.

Dhoni was met with a hug,while the rest of the boys received a pat on the back after India won the match by 1 run,but lost the moment by not restricting Kirstens side to 121 a figure that would have eliminated Pakistan instead.

Both Kirsten and Team India had lost thanks to Pakistan,and they bonded like old friends.

You know,its always nice to connect with the guys again and to see them again. There are fond memories and great connections that I have with the players and theres no animosity in any way, said Kirsten. But has it been hard to plan against the same men he once became the thickest of friends with? The professional in him answered this query with a smile. You just move on with the new job and you know theres a lot of respect. So therere no issues at all, he added.

The former South Africa opener who began his coaching career in the India blue,however,brushed off any suggestions that he,or for that matter his close confidante Paddy Upton,had any secret information about Team India to pass on. Thats just the way Kirsten is,rather willing to focus on setting the same process that got India to the top in the South African side.

It has helped as far as Tests are concerned,with SA at the helm under Kirsten just the way India were two years ago. But with the shorter formats,the process seems to be taking a little more time.

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He shuffled his batting order for the better,sending AB de Villiers at No.3 and brought in Faf du Plessis,the man who made the difference on the day. Together,they snuffed out India from reaching the semi-finals.

Gary is a great coach,he was a fine player and it is great to have him in the dressing room, says de Villiers. Yes,he has worked with the Indian team but at the end of the day we have to walk out and perform. Which we didnt unfortunately. says de Villiers.

Team India did just that with Kirsten.