Gary Kirsten has been officially appointed as the head coach of the Sri Lankan men’s team by Sri Lanka Cricket. The former South African opener and India coach brings with him a vast experience of mentoring some of the heavyweights of the game. The former left-hander will take charge as coach from the 15th of April 2026. The contract has been signed till 14th April 2028.
Kirsten has been appointed in place of former Sri Lankan opener Sanath Jayasuriya, who exited his post after Sri Lanka’s below-par performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Kirsten was the consultant for the Namibian national team during the T20 World Cup. The 58-year-old has been appointed to add more consistency in all departments and prepare a framework for the future of Sri Lankan cricket.
Kirsten played an influential role in Team India’s World Cup win in the 2011 limited overs world cup. He played 101 tests for South Africa, becoming the first South African to play 100 tests. He also coached the South African men’s team for two years and was also the coach of the Pakistan national team.
He was also the coach of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the batting coach of the Gujarat Titans when the team won the IPL trophy in 2022.
His appointment is made with the 2027 limited-overs World Cup in mind, which will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, where Sri Lanka hopes to secure direct qualification. His familiarity with the conditions in those African countries might have led the Sri Lankan board to appoint him as the coach. Sri Lanka cricket recently named Jamie Siddons as the head coach of the Sri Lankan women’s team.
Kirsten joins the list of foreign coaches like Dav Whatmore, Tom Moody and Trevor Bayliss who played a crucial role in shaping the future of Sri Lankan cricket. Jayasuriya is expected to be appointed to restructure the Cricket High Performance Centre in Sri Lanka.
Kirsten’s appointment has also been made to reorganise the High Performance Centre. Sri Lankan Cricket stated that Kirsten’s appointment is aimed at bringing reforms in Sri Lankan cricket. Gary Kirsten’s appointment was also made keeping in mind how he helped Indian and South African cricket
