Coach Kirsten bids goodbye to India

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MUMBAI, Apr 5 (AFP): India's outgoing coach Gary Kirsten Tuesday admitted he found it very hard to say goodbye to the World Cup-winning team and the country's "special" cricketers. "It has been one of the hardest goodbyes I have had to say," the former South African batsman told reporters at his farewell press conference in Mumbai after a successful three-year stint with the team. "It has been an amazing achievement to be a part of this special group of cricketers." Kirsten, 43, played in 101 Tests and 185 one-day internationals before helping India become a formidable force as the number one Test side and number two behind Australia in one-day cricket. Kirsten had announced his decision to quit as coach before the World Cup, which India won on Saturday with a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the final. "I am going home to spend some time with my family. But I have to consider my future at some time. I have been fortunate to have been offered some jobs but I want to spend time with my family right now," said Kirsten. "Indian cricket is going to be in a healthy state for a long time. It is going to be tough for the new coach in terms of the standards that have been set. But I don't see why the team should not continue doing well. "The foundation has been set. The new coach should bring in fresh ideas. I certainly wouldn't want the new guy to try and emulate what has been done in the past three years. Consistency for this team is now going to be important.