Kirsten's home but there is work to do

Updated On: 19 April, 2009 07:59 AM IST | | Sanjjeev K Samyal

India coach Gary Kirsten delighted with the Indian Premier League coming to his town but for him, cricket is all about Test matches

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India coach Gary Kirsten delighted with the Indian Premier League coming to his town but for him, cricket is all about Test matches

During a hectic international calendar, India coach Gary Kirsten's plans of a complete break from cricket during the Indian Premier League will have to be postponed. As luck would have it, the high-profile Twenty20 championship landed right at his doorstep. The glamourous tournament gotu00a0 off to a spectacular start at the Newlands ground in Kirsten's hometown here.

The inaugural IPL helped launch or re-launch many an international careers and it is a bonus for the Indian youngsters that they now have the opportunity to impress their national coach playing in his backyard.

While Kirsten's holiday may be affected a bit, he is excited that the IPL being staged in his home country will give him an opportunity to have a look at young Indian talent. "It is a great opportunity for young Indian players to show what they are made of in a high profile environment with lots of successful international players. It gives them a taste of having to perform in pressure situations. I'm fortunate to be able to watch closely any young Indian players that stand out during the tournament," Kirsten told SUNDAY MiD DAY.