Gary kirsten appointed as head coach of sri lanka men’s cricket team

By Vikram Nair / 10.03.2026

Gary Kirsten’s New Role

Gary Kirsten has been appointed as the new head coach of the Sri Lanka men’s cricket team, effective April 15, 2026. This strategic move is part of Sri Lanka Cricket’s efforts to transform its national high-performance centre.

Kirsten brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as head coach for the India men’s national team from 2008 to 2011. Under his leadership, India achieved a historic milestone by winning the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2011.

Following his tenure with India, Kirsten coached the South Africa men’s national team from 2011 to 2013. During this period, he led South Africa to become the number one-ranked team in all formats of the game in 2013.

Most recently, Kirsten was associated with the Namibian team as a consultant for the T20 World Cup 2026, showcasing his ongoing commitment to developing cricket at various levels.

The appointment of Kirsten is seen as a pivotal step for Sri Lanka Cricket, which aims to revitalize its cricketing structure and enhance the performance of its national team. Observers are keen to see how his extensive coaching experience will influence the team’s future results.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific goals set for Kirsten during his two-year appointment, but expectations are high given his track record of success in international cricket.