Gary Kirsten: Replace MS Dhoni at your own peril

“My answer on MSD has not changed in three years. He is the best leader I have worked with,” said Kirsten, who was coach when Dhoni-led India regained the 50-over World Cup in 2011.

“There is no debating that, in my in opinion, he’s up there with India’s greatest captains. Look at his ODI batting record as a finisher. So anyone doubting his ability would be making a grave mistake.

“He is a great player and all great players will continue to produce fantastic performances right through to the end of their careers. You can replace MS Dhoni only at your own peril. I think one has to leave that decision to him. You may still have a great and potential World Cup performance still left in him.”

Kirsten was all praise for Anil Kumble as India coach.

“One really needs to understand the coaching space and what value one can give to people. Anil (Kumble) first of all is a great person. He has a fantastic value system,” Kirsten said.

 “He has been a great player and gets tremendous respect from players. It’s a nice thing that an Indian is India team coach. I think the choice of that person is very important.

“He’s had an immediate success, which is not surprising. There is no doubt he has all the credentials necessary to take up the leadership (as coach) of the team.”