Gary Kirsten reckons India missed the trick by fielding an extra bowler

Former Indian head coach, Gary Kirsten, believes that the Indian team had missed the trick by fielding an extra bowler in the ongoing South Africa series. Kirsten feels that the visitors should have fielded an extra batsman in the South African conditions. It is worth noting that the Indian camp has been stressing on the fact that the team needs to pick up 20 wickets in their bid to win Test matches.

As per the quotes in Mumbai Mirror, Gary Kirsten admitted that 20 wickets are needed to win games, but it is equally important to fetch those runs on the board to stay in the hunt. The team always benefits from the runs on the board to build the scoreboard pressure on the opposition.

“Batting is traditionally tough in the South African conditions, so the more the batsmen the better (it is). I have always believed that a Test match team should contain as many specialists as possible in it. Whilst taking 20 wickets allows a team to win games, scoring enough runs will always keep a team in the game,” quoted Gary Kirsten.

On fielding woes

Another area of concern for the Indian camp in the series has been their fielding. Slip fielding, in particular, has been pathetic from the Indian side. Gary Kirsten feels a lot can be improved by simulating match conditions in the practice sessions.

“The only way to train catching under pressure is to simulate the situation and place an expectation on the outcome,” noted the former Indian coach.

Need for a better plan

Speaking further on the same note, Kirsten hailed the Proteas camp for having played exceptionally well. South Africa have already managed to get an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the 3-match series. Kirsten feels that the Indian think tank needs the big heads to come together with a solid plan.

“South Africa have played incredibly well and put India under pressure in areas which they are traditionally uncomfortable with. The best thinkers in Indian cricket, specifically those who have played and succeeded in foreign conditions need to come together and build a preparation plan to get players ready for the conditions,” he remarked.

On partnering with Virat Kohli

Gary Kirsten has been signed as the head coach of the Royal Challengers Bangalore for the upcoming edition of the IPL. He is all set to partner with skipper Virat Kohli at the RCB camp. Speaking about Kohli, Kirsten hailed the Indian batsman as a superstar.

“He (Virat) is a superstar who is determined to perform every time he walks onto the field,” he said.

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