Gary Kirsten is a name etched in cricketing history — both as a dependable left-handed opening batsman for South Africa and as one of the most successful coaches in modern cricket. Renowned for his grit, composure, and ability to anchor innings, Kirsten played a pivotal role in South Africa’s rise in the 1990s and early 2000s. After retirement, he went on to become the head coach of India, guiding them to victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. On thelivecricketscore, follow his career stats, coaching milestones, and current engagements.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gary Kirsten |
| Date of Birth | November 23, 1967 |
| Birthplace | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Role | Opening Batsman |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-break (occasional) |
| Major Teams | South Africa, Western Province, Africa XI |
Gary Kirsten made his international debut in 1993 and quickly became one of the most reliable top-order batters in the world. He was known for his solid technique, temperament, and ability to build innings under pressure. His contributions were vital in laying strong foundations for South Africa, especially in Test matches.
He played a total of 101 Tests and 185 ODIs, retiring in 2004 as one of the leading scorers for South Africa.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | 100s | 50s | Best Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 101 | 7289 | 45.3 | 21 | 34 | 275 |
| ODI | 185 | 6798 | 40.9 | 13 | 45 | 188* |
Check the Live Score section for related player updates and news.
Scored 275 vs England, the highest individual score by a South African in Tests (at the time)
Played over 100 Tests and 100 ODIs, a rare feat during his era
Known for marathon innings and match-saving performances
Scored centuries against every major Test-playing nation
After retiring, Kirsten transitioned into coaching and reached even greater heights.
Head Coach of India (2008–2011)
Guided India to World Cup 2011 triumph
Took India to No. 1 in ICC Test Rankings
Praised for man-management and tactical brilliance
Head Coach of South Africa (2011–2013)
Helped South Africa become the No. 1 Test team in the world
Known for bringing structure and discipline to the squad
Mentor/Coach in IPL & T20 Leagues
Roles with Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Titans
Contributed to GT’s successful debut season in 2022 as batting coach and mentor
Gary Kirsten is widely respected for:
Strong man-management skills
Focus on player empowerment and personal growth
Creating high-performance environments
Tactical flexibility and calm leadership
Building cohesive teams that thrive under pressure
His coaching methods have been studied and emulated by professionals worldwide.
As of 2025, Gary Kirsten continues to contribute to cricket as:
Mentor and coach in franchise leagues
Guest speaker and high-performance consultant
Involved in grassroots cricket development through the Gary Kirsten Foundation
Occasional media contributor and expert analyst
Follow thelivecricketscore for the latest updates on his coaching appointments, interviews, and public appearances.
Former England cricketer Moeen Ali has shared an inside story that sheds light on the pressure Virat Kohli faced as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).According to Moeen, during the 2019 IPL season, the RCB management seriously considered removing Kohli as captain and replacing him with veteran wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel. Moeen mentioned this occurred during…
