New Delhi: Namibia’s training ahead of their T20 World Cup opener against Netherlands followed a familiar script of cone placement, tossing and cutting into the outfield. Yet, standing far away from the hustle and bustle, arms crossed and eyes following every movement, was a figure of quiet authority. Gary Kirsten Although he didn’t wear Namibia’s colours, his mark on the team was obvious.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Former India head coach and South Africa opener Kirsten has joined Namibia as a consultant for the T20 World Cup. It’s a role that suits him: low noise, high impact. For a team still torn between staff ambition and elite-level consistency, Kirsten’s arrival provides reassurance and an edge.
captain of namibia Gerhard Erasmus It’s clear what Kirsten brings to the table. First, there’s obvious pedigree. As a player, Kirsten has toured extensively across the Indian subcontinent and served as a coach in the IPL, most memorably guiding MS Dhoni’s India to victory in the 2011 ODI World Cup.“He (Kirsten) has a wealth of experience. He brings a winning edge to our campaign. He also brings a wealth of knowledge about different areas in India,” Erasmus said.Apart from the trophies, what resonates most with this Namibian group is the way Kirsten works. Erasmus suggested that the impact was subtle but profound. “On the management side, it’s great to have such great mentor-coaches who really enjoy bringing the human side to their coaching first and who really enjoy connecting on a deeper level with their players,” Erasmus said.For a team like Namibia, where players often balance cricketing dreams with semi-professional realities, a player-first approach carries even greater weight.“That’s what we have the most respect for Gary and all the other coaches (the player-first approach). Cricket is so much about conditions and it’s great to have him,” said the 30-year-old Namibian captain.
