http://www.timeslive.co.za/sport
Whoever becomes the next South African cricket coach, it won't be Gary Kirsten.
The former South African opening batsman, who will quit as India's coach after the World Cup, is understood to be reluctant to take up the Proteas job when caretaker Corrie van Zyl steps down in April.
Indian cricket had hoped to persuade Kirsten to change his mind about not renewing his contract, but gave up on it this week, an official (unnamed of course) confirming to Cricinfo that it was a lost cause.
"Everyone was keen that Gary continue for another term, perhaps of three years," the official told Cricinfo. "The team and the coach have developed an excellent rapport over the last three years. Everyone can see the results, which are obvious. Gary has also put in a lot of effort behind the scenes to bolster team spirit and oneness among the unit. We must respect his decision, especially because it is based on family commitments."
ALMOST THERE: Indian cricket team coach Gary Kirsten exudes confidence at his academy in Claremont, Cape Town, yesterday. The former South African cricketer aims to have his top batsmen battle-ready by next week Picture: SHELLEY CHRISTIANS
'Everyone was keen that Gary continue with India'
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Kirsten has a home in Cape Town where he lives with his wife and two sons. It has been difficult for him to juggle his family life with a job in India.
Kirsten helped Indian cricket recover from a disastrous period when former Australian captain Greg Chappell coached the team. Kirsten helped India to the No1 position in world cricket and a share of the recent Test series in South Africa. He built a solid coaching structure in the team with the help of his long-time colleague Paddy Upton and former teammate Eric Simons.
The Indian cricket board has not yet started a process to recruit a successor to Kirsten, but it is not unlikely that it will approach Simons as a candidate. Simons, a former Proteas allrounder and national coach, was highly regarded by the Indian team when he came aboard this summer.
Future options for Kirsten could involve the Indian Premier League. The close relationship that Kirsten has with Sachin Tendulkar may lead to co-operation between the two at the Mumbai Indians, who are expected to appoint a director of coaching before the next IPL season.
Kirsten could easily take up such a position while still developing his international academy that is in the planning stage at Claremont Cricket Club in Cape Town.
Meanwhile the South African coaching job is likely to go to Duncan Fletcher. The former England coach has been advising the South Africans and it is understood he would be available. Fletcher's coaching credentials would be hard to resist for Cricket South Africa, whose chief executive, Gerald Majola, recently promised a "big name" for the job when Van Zyl's term ends.
Other candidates could be provincial coaches Graham Ford (Dolphins), Richard Pybus (Cobras), Dave Nosworthy (Lions), Russell Domingo (Warriors) and current Proteas assistant coach Vincent Barnes.
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