Departing Kirsten hails Dhoni as world’s best leader

MUMBAI, (Reuters) – Departing India coach Gary  Kirsten hailed World Cup winning-captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as  the best leader in contemporary cricket as he bid an emotional  goodbye today following a successful three years in charge.
The former South Africa opener, who refused an extension to  his contract which ended at the completion of the World Cup,  reckons Dhoni has a lot more to offer.
“I believe that he’s the best captain in world cricket  today. He’s a leader by example,” Kirsten, who took over the  reins of the India team in Dec. 2007, told reporters in his  farewell news conference.
“He expects his troops to be ready for battle. He’s calm and  level-headed. I have never seen him lose his temper. If things  don’t go well, he takes the responsibility.”
Kirsten, 43, will leave for South Africa on Tuesday after  helping India become the number one test side and win the World  Cup after a gap of 28 years in his first stint as a national  coach.
“Tonight I leave with my wife to return home to South  Africa. It has been a remarkable journey with Team India over  the last three years,” an almost tearful Kirsten read from a  statement.
“This will remain one of the most cherished experiences of  my life. Believe me when I say that this is one of the hardest  of goodbyes that I ever had to say.”

REPEATED REQUESTS
The cricketers and the India cricket board (BCCI) made  repeated requests to him to stay on in the role but Kirsten  refused to budge on his decision to return home to his family.
“I just want to take a break. Even I don’t know what I am  going to do next,” Kirsten, dressed in a BCCI blazer and tie,  told reporters.
“I am going home to spend some time with my family. At some  stage I have to consider my future.
“I am very fortunate to receive a few offers. I have turned  them all down with a specific reason of wanting to have a good  time after the Indian job and spend time with the family I have  missed tremendously over the last three years.”
Kirsten, who scored 34 international hundreds during his  playing days, said it will be difficult for the as yet unnamed  new coach to maintain the high standards that have been set but  he felt a strong foundation has been laid.
“We set our goals as a team way back in October 2008. We  wanted to become the number one-ranked test team in the world  and win the World Cup,” he continued reading from a sheet of  paper.
“We have achieved both of these goals, and the players of  both the test team and World Cup squad can be extremely proud of  this magnificent achievement.
“It’s going to be tough for the new coach in terms of the  standards that has been set by the team.
“There’s no reason why this team should not continue with  success. The foundation has been set and there are some good  young players coming through.”