"Virat has been a great captain for India," he was quoted as saying by PTI on Friday (September 9). "His talent was always unquestionable. He has led by example with his on-field performances. His leadership at the Test level has worked really well for the national team. The best part about Virat is that he looks so inspirational as a leader in the manner he walks in the field."
Kirsten is currently at the Rajasthan Cricket Academy (RCA) for a ten-day camp to work with the state's cricketers ahead of the domestic season, and help them with high-quality technical and mental training. During his tenure as India's head coach between 2008 and 2011, India was led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni in all three formats and had gone on to achieve the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test Rankings for the first time. The stint with India ended with an emphatic World Cup win in 2011.
While asked to compare Kohli with Dhoni, the South African said, "Dhoni is a very good captain. I had thoroughly enjoyed working with Dhoni during my tenure as India coach. But since I have not watched the Indian team play all formats on a consistent basis, it will not be fair on me to compare Virat and Dhoni's consistency levels."
The 48-year-old was a crucial member of a dominant South African side in 1990s. When he retired with 101 Tests and 7289 runs, he was South Africa's highest run-getter in the longest format. He has also played 185 ODIs, scoring 6798 runs at an average of 40.95.
When asked about the International Cricket Council's decision to scrap the two-tier set-up for Tests, he said, "I am fine either way as long as there is high quality Test cricket. I don't think it would be monotonous if some of the top nations play each other on a regular basis. But whatever is best should be done."
Kirsten also didn't hold back on the issue of quota system for coloured and black athletes in South Africa. While there has been a debate over whether performances have been overlooked to bring a social balance, Kirsten felt it was a move in the 'forward direction'.
"I completely support the inclusive policy in national sporting teams. It gives equal opportunity and is truly representative of the values our great nation stands for. It is a bold step in a forward direction. It is a step that addresses the imbalances of past."
Even as several South African cricketers have given up their national ambitions to look for greener pastures in England due to the quota system, Kirsten added, "It is a strong move something that was needed since it has been 25 years since post apartheid era and the integration is more necessary than ever. Whoever is a part of South African society should be able to embrace the decision as a citizen of this country. It is a great decision and it has taken 40 years to reach here."