Harbhajan Singh Encourages Gary Kirsten to Return to India as Head Coach

Harbhajan Singh has called on Gary Kirsten to step down as Pakistan’s head coach and consider joining the Indian team as a replacement for Rahul Dravid. This suggestion appears to add a new dimension to the ongoing debate, as Gautam Gambhir is currently seen as the frontrunner for the head coach position of Team India after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Following Pakistan's early exit from the tournament, Harbhajan has advised Kirsten to consider a dramatic return to the Indian coaching setup.

Kirsten, the current head coach of Pakistan, concluded a disappointing campaign with Babar Azam’s team, failing to advance past the group stage. Reports indicate that Kirsten expressed significant dissatisfaction with the internal dynamics of the Pakistan team to the media, highlighting a lack of unity among the players. He also criticised the fitness standards of the squad and pointed out that Pakistan lags behind other competitive teams in terms of skills.

Harbhajan Singh’s Appeal to Kirsten

Reacting to Kirsten’s candid comments, which were shared widely on X (formerly Twitter), Harbhajan suggested that Kirsten should not waste his time with the Pakistan team and instead come back to coach India. "Don’t waste your time there, Gary. Come back to Coach Team INDIA. Gary Kirsten is one of the rare and great coaches, mentors, and a dear friend to all of us from the 2011 team. He was our winning coach in the 2011 World Cup. Gary is a special man," Harbhajan stated, pinpointing Kirsten's significant contribution to India's 2011 World Cup victory.

Kirsten’s Experience with Pakistan

Appointed as Pakistan’s head coach before the T20 World Cup, Kirsten did not hold back in his assessment of the team’s performance during the ICC event. According to Pakistani media, he remarked on the lack of unity within the squad, describing the atmosphere as toxic and divisive. Kirsten reportedly said, "There's no unity in Pakistan's team. They call it a team, but it isn’t one. They don’t support each other; everyone is divided. I have worked with many teams, but I’ve never seen such a situation."

Coaching Transition in Team India

In parallel developments, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is reportedly set to replace Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian senior team after the T20 World Cup. Dravid, whose contract ends with the conclusion of the tournament, has indicated he will not reapply for the position. Gambhir is expected to take on the role until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup and will have the authority to select his support staff.

This potential shift in coaching dynamics presents an interesting scenario, with Harbhajan’s endorsement of Kirsten suggesting a strong alternative to the current frontrunner, Gambhir. As the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 unfolds, the future leadership of Team India remains a topic of considerable speculation and interest.