Gary Kirsten on India, Pakistan and his new role with Sri Lanka

Gary Kirsten has enjoyed a stellar coaching career - including leading India to World Cup success in 2011. The former South Africa batter also led his home nation to the top of the Test rankings when he was head coach. He's been regularly linked with the England job in recent years and in 2024 he had a brief spell as Pakistan white ball coach. On the franchise circuit he's worked with teams including Hobart Hurricanes in Australia's Big Bash League and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League.

On April 15th he starts a new job as he officially takes over as the new head coach of the Sri Lanka men's national team. His appointment comes at a critical time following the team's limp exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup and marks a departure from the post-2024 World Cup pivot towards coaches with more local knowledge.

Speaking to More Than Score's sister podcast, Stumped, he explained to Alison Mitchell how the opportunity arose and why it was the right time to take over The Lions.

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