Former South African batsman Gary Kirsten said that his selection to head coach of the Indian team was done in just 7 minutes. While he had no experience and did not even apply for it. Kirsten was emailed by former Indian captain and member of the selection committee, Sunil Gavaskar, for an interview.
It was under Kirsten's coaching that India won the ODI World Cup in 2011. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was then the captain of the team. Also, in 2009, Team India became number-1 in the Test. Kirsten is counted among the most successful coaches in India. He became the Indian team's coach for two years in 2008. The tenure was later extended by a year.
Kirsten said, "I got an email from Sunil Gavaskar. He asked if I wanted to become the coach of the Indian team. I thought it fake. He sent a second mail and called for an interview. I showed that mail to my wife. She too said that it may have come by mistake. We thought it a joke because I had no coaching experience. "
Kirsten said, "When I came for the interview, I first met Anil Kumble. He was then the captain of the Indian team. They asked me the reason for coming. I said that I have come for an interview to be your coach. After saying this we both started laughing. 10 minutes later I went in for an interview. In a serious environment, I was asked what is my plan for the future of the Indian team? I said that there is no plan right now because I have come in a hurry and have not prepared anything. "
The former coach said, "Selection committee member Ravi Shastri asked me what strategy was used in your South Africa team to defeat the Indian team. I replied to him in two-three minutes, but then I did not tell the strategy. The selection committee was impressed with me. The interview took only 7 minutes and the officials gave me the contract papers. I saw the first page, but I could not find my name in it. It was named after former coach Greg Chappell. I returned the contract paper. Then they took out the pen from the pocket and cut the name of the chapel and wrote my name."
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