New Delhi, April 13 (NationPress) Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has underscored the pivotal influence of ex-head coach Gary Kirsten on the evolution of Indian cricket, reminiscing about how his exceptional man-management and faith in players significantly contributed to the team’s achievements during the period from 2008 to 2011.

In a conversation with former England captain Michael Vaughan regarding India's advancements in white-ball cricket under Kirsten's leadership from 2008 to 2011, Yuvraj noted the South African's entry came at a crucial juncture, as India was gearing up for a phase of sustained excellence across all formats.

“I believe Gary Kirsten was monumental at that time. He was a remarkable individual, and we needed a person like him. We just wanted someone who could say, ‘Let’s unite on the field. Let’s stand together.’ Gary was incredibly dedicated,” Yuvraj shared in a video featured on the 'Stick to Cricket' podcast on Monday.

“Upon his arrival, he declared that within the next four years, leading up to the 2011 World Cup, we would be the top T20, Test, and ODI side. Some of us exchanged glances, thinking, ‘What is he talking about?’ Yet, that’s precisely what we achieved over those four years, even as Australia continued to dominate. His intentions were pure, and he was a good man who elevated Indian cricket to new heights,” he added.

Kirsten's era coincided with one of India's most triumphant periods, culminating in the victory at the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and consistent top rankings across various formats.

Yuvraj, a key player during that time, further emphasized how the coach's belief instilled confidence, enabling players to realize their potential.

“It’s also about the coach's confidence, right? If I approach you and say, ‘You’re my match-winner, and I want you to go out there and win the game for us. Past failures don’t matter; just go out and perform.’ Suddenly, you feel empowered because the team and the coach trust you to succeed. Gary always encouraged me, saying, ‘You’re a game-changer.’ He told me, ‘If you can bat for 20-25 overs, you’ll shift the game. Go for it.’ Even in Test cricket, he advised me similarly, ‘Play your game. If you do that, you’ll secure victories for India.’ That instilled a lot of confidence in me to perform,” the all-rounder remarked.

Under Kirsten’s mentorship, players like Yuvraj thrived with clearly defined roles, as the coach's focus on unity, clarity, and trust became fundamental to India’s ascent as a formidable force in global cricket.