Virat Kohli is stand-out batsman in world cricket today: Gary Kirsten

Gary Kirsten has seen Virat Kohli as a precocious talent who later evolved into a premier batsman and that's the reason why the former India coach termed him as a "stand out player" who has got the "x-factor".

"I am very pleased for Virat. He has worked a lot on his game and is a stand-out batsman in world cricket today. He is one of those cricketers with x-factor who doesn't get himself out.

"You have to get him out as he doesn't give away his wicket," Kirsten, who is currently coaching South Africa, told the mediapersons on the eve of the match against India.

Due to his hugely successful coaching stint with the Indian team, the question was asked whether the Proteas will have an advantage, but the former opener sounded pretty dismissive.

"There is enough information available on every player to be analysed at length. There is internet, there are recordings of matches available. So there are plenty of options and I don't think we (Kirsten and mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton) have anything unique to offer.

"Our focus should be to understand each other and play well."

Questioned on Virender Sehwag being dropped from the team for the Australia match, Kirsten presented a dead bat.

"I am not going to answer that question."

South Africa have lost back-to-back matches and the coach was forthright in admitting that they had to "make good decisions".

"We had a chance of winning both games and we let it slip. When we left the South African shores for the World T20, everyone said it is a balanced side. The main thing is that we haven't played well during key moments. We had Pakistan seven down for 60-odd and we should have won that match."

About the positives that have emerged from the match, he said that his batsmen have done well despite losing early wickets.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Serena Williams battles her way into Madrid Open semis

IPL 2013 preview: Bangalore out to put campaign back on track against Delhi

South Africa coach Gary Kirsten to step down next month

My goal is to play well in every match, says Parvez Rasool