T20 World Cup 2022: Gary Kirsten added to Netherlands coaching staff

Gary Kirsten has been roped in by the Netherlands to their coaching staff on a short-term deal for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Kirsten, who coached India to the 2011 World Cup glory, hosted a Netherlands squad for a training camp in late September at his academy in Cape Town.

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Along with the former South African cricketer, the Netherlands has also added Dan Christian to their coaching department. Christian joined the team after their arrival in the Netherlands in Australia.

"We are very excited to welcome both Gary Kirsten and Dan Christian to our coaching staff for the T20 World Cup. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, which will be of great help in the lead-up to and during the World Cup."

Roland Lefebvre, the KNCB's high-performance manager, said

Kirsten has also been part of three T20 World Cup campaigns - in 2009 and 2010 with India and in 2012 with South Africa. However, the teams never achieved glory under his guidance at the ICC events. Earlier this year, Kirsten was the batting coach of Gujarat Titans, who won the 2022 IPL. He also managed Welsh Fire but the Hundred side remained winless this season.

"I really enjoyed working with the Dutch team in Cape Town and I look forward to joining them as a consultant in the T20 World Cup," Kirsten said.

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"I was impressed with the level of skill and professionalism during the camp. They will be ready and determined to make a big impact at the World Cup."

The Netherlands will play a warm-up match against West Indies in Melbourne on Wednesday. The team will then travel to Geelong for their first-round matches against UAE, Namibia, and Sri Lanka.