KOHLI’S HUNGER TO GET BETTER PLEASES KIRSTEN

: Virat Kohli’s hunger for improvement is a characteristic of a great player, says Gary Kirsten, who coached the India captain during his successful three-year stint with the national team. Kirsten, who coached India from 2008-11, is again working with Kohli as assistant coach of the Royal Challengers Bangalore. “He is a great player. He continues to improve and get better. I enjoy working with him because he continually wants to learn about the game and all the great players do that,” said Kirsten.

The former Proteas opener also backed Kohli’s decision of playing county cricket to get used to the conditions ahead of the England tour. “It is good for him to prepare (for the England tour), for any player preparation is good,” he said. Kirsten is expecting that the India-England series will be fought keenly. “It will be a competitive series. I am excited for it,” he said.

Talking about pace bowling the RCB assistant coach said he is thrilled to witness the talent in the IPL and feels the league plays a huge role in the development of Indian cricket. “I am excited by what I see in the IPL, some good young players are there. The IPL helps tremendously in shaping the cricket in India.” Speaking on the relevance of Test cricket in the age of T20, Kirsten said even though the younger generation enjoys the shortest format, Test cricket will always be there.

NEW DELHI