Former India head coach Gary Kirsten backed Gauatm Gambhir amid widespread criticism following Test series losses to New Zealand and South Africa. These two defeats put the Indian team at a critical juncture where the Shubman Gill-led side is required to win both the games they are set to play in the next few days in order to keep their WTC Final 2027 qualifications hope alive. Notably, the Indian team is currently touring Sri Lanka for a two-game Test series kicking off on August 15 in Galle. 

Ahead of the first game, the former Indian head coach, who led the side to the ODI World Cup glory in 2011, extended support to the current coach, Gambhir. Kirtsen called the former Indian cricketer a fantastic coach and pointed out the major tournament he has won. “He’s a fantastic coach. He’s had incredible success. He has won a T20 World Cup (2026) and the ICC Champions Trophy (2025). He’s also had success in the IPL (Gambhir was the team mentor for the IPL 2024 champs, Kolkata Knight Riders),” Kirsten told Sony Sports Network. 

He added, “His record speaks for itself. I really enjoyed working with him when he was a player. He’s a smart cricketer, and I knew he’d have success as a coach.” Notably, Gambhir was a part of the team that won the 2011 World Cup, under Kirsten’s coaching. 

They accepted me into their space and felt I could add value: Gary Kirsten Looks Back on Tenure with Indian Team 

The South African international who is now at the helm of Sri Lankan coaching staff, looked back on his tenure with the Men in Blue. Kirsten coached the Indian team from 2008 to 2011, after his retirement from international cricket. Now, he stands in India’s opposition camp and while looking back on his tenure in the Indian subcontinent, he heaped praise on the team, and labelled it as a privilege. 

“It was a great three years and a privileged one to work with Indian players,” Kirsten said. “There was a lot of skill in that dressing room. What I appreciated was that they accepted me into their space and felt I could add value. I’ve approached the Sri Lankan role with the same seriousness," he explained. 

Notably, Gary became the coach of the Sri Lankan team in 2026 on a two-year contract. Talking about the current standings in the World Test Championship, the Indian team is on the fifth spot with 48.15 points percentage.