This is what Gary Kirsten said on Replacing Dhoni as ODI Skipper
Replacing MS Dhoni as the ODI captain is a subject which is getting lots of attention from couple of months. And when former World Cup winning Coach Gary Kirsten was asked about the same this is what he said “You are not going to get an answer out of me. You replace M S Dhoni at your peril, because the one experience I have had is that all great leaders have great performances till the end of their careers,” said Kirsten at a promotional event.
Kirsten felt it should be left to the Ranchi star to decide on his future.
“There comes a time in every player when he is got to consider for himself whether he should be in the team or it’s time to move. We will leave the decision up to him,” he said.
Terming Dhoni as a “great player”, Kirsten slammed his critics, saying those doubting his ability are making a mistake.
“I think that is the question I get asked the most every time I come to India. My answer hasn’t changed in three years. That he (Dhoni) is definitely the best leader I have ever worked with. And his record for Indian cricket over the last nine-ten years speaks for itself,” said the South African when asked about the debate surrounding Dhoni’s future.
Asked what Anil Kumble brings to the table as coach, Kirsten said, “One really needs to understand the coaching space and what value one can give to people. Anil (Kumble) first of all is a great person. He has a fantastic value system.
“He has been a great player and gets tremendous respect from players. It’s a nice thing that an Indian is India team coach. I think the choice of that person is very important.
“He’s had an immediate success, which is not surprising. There is no doubt he has all the credentials necessary to take up the leadership (as coach) of the team.”