Former South Africa international Gary Kirsten turned 53 on Monday (November 23). Wishes came pouring in for the southpaw from all parts of the world.
The 2011 World Cup-winning team members also posted heartfelt birthday wishes to the former India coach.
“Wishing a very Happy Birthday to @Gary_Kirsten the best coach we played under! Someone who knew how to build a rock-solid team and bring out the best from each player on the park. Hope you’re doing good and staying safe. Have a great year ahead!,” tweeted Yuvraj Singh recalling Kirsten’s contribution to Indian cricket.
Wishing a very Happy Birthday to @Gary_Kirsten – the best coach we played under! Someone who knew how to build a rock-solid team and bring out the best from each player on the park. Hope you're doing good and staying safe. Have a great year ahead! 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/NjeORhsmYy
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) November 23, 2020
“To the best coach & a mentor, wishing you a very happy birthday @Gary_Kirsten. May you keep shining & keep inspiring us forever. Have an amazing day & years ahead,” wrote Suresh Raina.
To the best coach & a mentor, wishing you a very happy birthday @Gary_Kirsten. May you keep shining & keep inspiring us forever. Have an amazing day & years ahead. pic.twitter.com/gl0JYvezZi
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) November 23, 2020
“Happy birthday legend, Best coach, mentor, big brother @Gary_Kirsten have a great year and life full of happiness.. love always,” tweeted Harbhajan Singh.
Happy birthday legend,Best coach,mentor,big brother @Gary_Kirsten have a great year and life full of happiness.. love always.. pic.twitter.com/wTFx0KYaO1
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 23, 2020
Kirsten played 101 Test matches and 185 ODIs for South Africa in which he amassed 7289 and 6798 runs respectively.
The Cape Town-born player also holds a record for the highest score by a South African batsman in ODIs. Kirsten played a magnificent knock of 188 runs against UAE in the 1996 World Cup.
Here are some more birthday tweets for Gary Kirsten:
Here’s wishing @Gary_Kirsten a very happy birthday!! One of the best things that has happened to Indian cricket 🏏!! Good health n happiness !! pic.twitter.com/jECmW8fI7i
— Mithun Manhas (@MithunManhas) November 23, 2020
Happy Birthday, Gary Kirsten 🎂 pic.twitter.com/AsCOGxQROB
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 23, 2020
👕 286 internationals
🏏 14,087 runs at 43.07
💥 34 hundreds, 79 fifties
🏆 2011 World Cup-winning coachHappy birthday to South Africa great @Gary_Kirsten 🎂 pic.twitter.com/5OWrzRZAWf
— ICC (@ICC) November 23, 2020
Happy birthday, Gary Kirsten!
Do you think he's the best coach India have had? 🤔pic.twitter.com/s5JYBr465r
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) November 23, 2020