Hardest goodbye of my life, says Gary Kirsten

South African Gary Kirsten on Tuesday bid an-emotional farewell as the India coach saying it was tough for him to give up the job of the World Cup winning side.

Kirsten said it was tough for him to turn down repeated requests from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to continue as
national coach.

“Believe me when I say that this is one of the hardest of goodbyes that I ever had to say,” Kirsten said in his last briefing at the Cricket Center in Wankhede.

The 43-year-old former South African opener was not thinking about his immediate future but said catching the flight to his home town of Cape Town Tuesday night was the best option for him.

“I just want to take a break,” he said. “Even I don’t know what I am going to do next.”

Kirsten said he was proud to have achieved his stated goals of leading India to the No. 1 ranking in tests, and its first World Cup title in 28 years.

“It’s been a remarkable journey over the last three years with Team India,” he read from a statement. “This has been one of the most cherished experiences of my life.

“We set our goals as a team way back in October 2008 ? we wanted to become the No. 1-ranked test team in the world and win the World Cup. We have achieved both of those goals and the players of both the test team and the World Cup squad can be extremely proud of this magnificent achievement.”

He agreed his successor will have big shoes to fill.

“India is touring England next and they are riding high having won the Ashes. It will be a big challenge,” he said. “Also, the team should strive to also be No. 1 in ODIs.”

Kirsten spoke highly of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who, he said, was a leader by example.

“I have never seen a player give as much effort to every game,” Kirsten said. “He is the 100 per cent man. I’ve never seen him lose his temper. He loves taking responsibility and when the team loses, no one feels it more than him. He is a great leader. He is the captain for the next few years, no doubt.”

Asked if Sachin Tendulkar could feature in the 2015 World Cup, Kirsten said: “He would be 42 by then, I think, that would be great. He’s in great form and is enjoying the game, and I am proud of him.”