New Delhi: Soon after the news came out about Gary Kirsten lashing out at his own players following Pakistan’s horror show at T20 World Cup 2024, former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh cheekily asked the South African to return to India. Incidentally, Harbhajan was a part of the Indian team during Kirsten’s time with Men in Blue. Kirsten was the head coach when India won the 2011 ODI World Cup.
Speculations were rife about rifts in the Pakistan dressing room as the Men in Green made an early exit in the T20 World Cup 2024. The developments ignited when a Pakistani journalist quoted Kirsten speaking about the lack of unity in the side.
Reacting to that, Harbhajan took a dig at Pakistan cricket and urged the former India coach to come back. “Don’t waste ur time there Gary .. Come back to Coach Team INDIA.. Gary Kirsten One of the rare.. A Great Coach, Mentor, Honest nd very dear friend to all in the our 2011 Team.. our winning coach of 2011 worldcup . Special man Gary,” said the former spinner.
Don’t waste ur time there Gary .. Come back to Coach Team INDIA .. Gary Kirsten One of the rare .. A Great Coach ,Mentor, Honest nd very dear friend to all in the our 2011 Team .. our winning coach of 2011 worldcup . Special man Gary @Gary_Kirsten https://t.co/q2vAZQbWC4
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 17, 2024
Kirsten took up the assignment as Pakistan’s head coach just before the tournament in the USA and West Indies but was left disappointed as the side made a first round exit after losing to newcomers USA and India. Kirsten joined Pakistan three days prior to Pakistan’s T20I series against England and signed a two-year deal. Under his tenure, Pakistan will play ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at home, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, and the ACC T20 Asia Cup 2025.