Harbhajan Singh Encourages Gary Kirsten To Return As Team India's Coach

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has called on Gary Kirsten to resign from his position as head coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team and return to coach Team India.

In a report that was later debunked, Kirsten had allegedly criticised the Pakistan players for their performance and questioned their approach following their early exit in the T20 World Cup.

According to Geo News, Kirsten expressed concerns over the fitness of the players, stating that they were not up to the mark. However, these quotes turned out to be fabricated.

Despite this, Harbhajan issued a strongly worded statement, urging Kirsten to "not waste time" on Pakistan cricket and suggested that it would be beneficial for him to return to India.

Harbhajan took to social media, requesting Kirsten to return to Team India, who are also searching for a head coach as Rahul Dravid's tenure is set to end after the T20 World Cup 2024.

"Don't waste ur time there Gary .. Come back to Coach Team INDIA .. Gary Kirsten One of the rare .. A Great Coach ,Mentor, Honest nd very dear friend to all in our 2011 Team .. our winning coach of 2011 worldcup . Special man Gary" Harbhajan wrote in a post on X.

Don’t waste ur time there Gary .. Come back to Coach Team INDIA .. Gary Kirsten One of the rare ????.. A Great Coach ,Mentor, Honest nd very dear friend to all in the our 2011 Team .. our winning coach of 2011 worldcup . Special man Gary ❤️@Gary_Kirstenhttps://t.co/q2vAZQbWC4

Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh)June 17, 2024

Kirsten's tenure as white-ball coach of Pakistan began poorly, with losses in the T20I series against England followed by an early exit in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Pakistan concluded their campaign with a three-wicket win over Ireland in Florida on Sunday. This match was inconsequential as India and USA had already advanced from Group A to the Super 8 stage.

Placed in Group A, Pakistan suffered consecutive defeats against co-hosts USA and rivals India. They managed two consecutive wins afterward but failed to secure a spot in the Super 8.

The former South African opener led India to victory in the 2011 ODI World Cup as a coach and has since worked with South Africa and various T20 clubs globally.

However, Kirsten's return as coach of Team India appears unlikely with Gautam Gambhir expected to be appointed for the role soon. Gambhir is reportedly bringing his own backroom staff.