Gary Kirsten Celebrates 52nd Birthday, Yuvraj Singh Leads Wishes For India's 2011 ODI World Cup-Winning Coach

Gary Kirsten turned 52 on Monday, and Yuvraj Singh led the wishes for the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning coach. Kirsten, who is a former Indian cricket team coach, led the Men in Blue to glory in the 2011 World Cup. Taking to Twitter, Yuvraj wrote, "Wishing a very Happy Birthday to @Gary_Kirsten - the best coach we played under! Someone who knew how to build a rock-solid team and bring out the best from each player on the park. Hope you're doing good and staying safe. Have a great year ahead!"

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to @Gary_Kirsten - the best coach we played under! Someone who knew how to build a rock-solid team and bring out the best from each player on the park. Hope you're doing good and staying safe. Have a great year ahead! pic.twitter.com/NjeORhsmYy

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) November 23, 2020

Former India international Suresh Raina also passed on his wishes. He wrote, "To the best coach & a mentor, wishing you a very happy birthday @Gary_Kirsten. May you keep shining & keep inspiring us forever. Have an amazing day & years ahead."

To the best coach & a mentor, wishing you a very happy birthday @Gary_Kirsten. May you keep shining & keep inspiring us forever. Have an amazing day & years ahead. pic.twitter.com/gl0JYvezZi

— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) November 23, 2020

Both cricketers were part of India's World Cup-winning team in 2011.

Here is what cricket fans had to say on his birthday:

A coach away from the spotlight but always working. The coach who bring out the best in players. Happy Birthday Guru Gary. Thank you for showing how it is to be done. Thank you @Gary_Kirsten for everything!
(India won 17/35 tests and drawn 12 under Gary's tenure.) pic.twitter.com/tLATNgJpUc

— Jayesh (@jayeshvk16) November 23, 2020

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAFFER! Here's wishing all the best to Gary Kirsten on his 53rd birthday. Thank you for everything, Gary #garykirsten #happybirthday #TeamIndia #BharatArmy #cricket #lovecricket pic.twitter.com/b93OFOlhlQ

— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) November 23, 2020

Happy Birthday, Gary, Wish you a long and healthy life. Only South African lifted the World Cup trophy and thanks for all memories, a great contribution to Indian Cricket as a coach. @Gary_Kirsten

— Debasish Bhaduri (@DebaDBhaduri) November 23, 2020

Before coaching, Kirsten represented South Africa during his playing career. He played in 101 Test fixtures and 185 ODIs for the Proteas, usually as an opening batsman. He was known for his reliable fielding. Other than coaching India, he also coached South Africa, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Hobart Hurricanes.

During the 2011 World Cup final, India defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai. During the post-match celebrations, he was carried around the ground by Raina, Virat Kohli and Yusuf Pathan. He ended his tenure after the tournament.

Topics mentioned in this article

India Cricket Team South Africa Cricket Team Yuvraj Singh Suresh Raina Gary Kirsten Cricket