Published on 12:00 AM, January 26, 2011

Akram all praise for Kirsten

Gary Kirsten's low-profile coaching approach has been instrumental in Indian cricket team's success in recent years and it will be a big loss for the team when he quits after the World Cup, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said on Tuesday.
Akram rated Kirsten as one of the best coaches in the world and said his three-year association with India has done wonders for the team.
"Gary has done wonders for Team India. He is one of the best coaches that I have seen in international cricket. He has a quiet personality and does his job without much fuss. He plays a good part behind the scenes. He has always been a much organised cricketer and we saw that aspect in his coaching as well," Akram said.
"His qualities as a player and as a person rubbed on Team India as they performed well. Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men will surely miss him in the dressing room. The management will also have a tough time in trying to find his replacement. But I feel India should concentrate on the World Cup rather than Kirsten. As they say, all good things must come to an end," Akram told a sports website.
Kirsten took over India coach in March 2008 and during his tenure, the team recorded Test and ODI series whitewash of Australia (2-0 and 1-0) and New Zealand (1-0 and 5-0) last year, both at home.