Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh advised head coach Gary Kirsten to return to India. “Don’t waste your time there Gary. Come back to coach team India,” Harbhajan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Kirsten, who was appointed as Pakistan’s head coach in April, participated in the England tour and the T20 World Cup 2024, where Pakistan failed to advance beyond the Super 8 stage. Harbhajan praised Kirsten as “a great coach, mentor, honest and very dear friend to all our 2011 team,” highlighting Kirsten’s role in India’s 2011 ODI World Cup victory.
Kirsten has emphasized that only players who value unity, focus on fitness, and enhance their skill sets will be part of the Pakistan team moving forward.
In a candid discussion with the team after their World Cup exit, Kirsten expressed concerns about the players’ fitness and skill levels, noting that the team is far behind the rest of the world in these areas.
Despite playing extensive cricket, Kirsten remarked that players struggle to make the right shot decisions at crucial moments. He also highlighted a lack of unity within the team, stating that players do not support each other, a situation he hasn’t encountered with other teams he has coached.