South Africa, by every approximate, is one of the finest teams in this ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. A batting order that has names like AB De Villiers, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis and David Miller and a bowling line up that has the world top bowler Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander. There is barley any weaknesses in the South African ranks. Yes, they still chokers and that's an embarrassment more than anything else. To cure this and to leave no stone unturned in their world cup mission, South Africa have engaged the services of their former international and former India coach Gary Kirsten. Gary, one of the most respectable people in world cricket, he joined the team on the night of 17th February and from what was in testify, in practice on 18th February has had an immediate impact on the players.

Team South Africa came on to practise at the beautiful Junction Oval Cricket Ground at exactly 10am in morning. And the Gary impact was visible from the start. After an early conversation with AB De Villiers and JP Dumniy, AB De Viliers who Gary calls an 'X factor' player for South Africa, he attended to David Miller and Farhaan Behardien for a long time - deliver balls to them in the same manner he did to Sachin Tendulkar. To Behardien, he delivered 88 balls non-stop in 20 minutes and exactly coached the batter to perfect the cover drive and the short-arm pull.. Each time Farhaan missed a shot, Gary would deliver four balls at the same place and ask him to repeat the shot. And at the end of 20 minutes, it was then who was tired and desire to stop. Gary, for his part, was started in another twenty minutes may be..

Having spoken to him at length a some days earlier, I am beware of what it means to Gary to try said and help the team go far in this World Cup. And like many others, he believes they have the team to do so. With the finest ODI player in the world as captain, the team has no lack of talent. "AB", Gary says, "is a fantastic player. He has many similarities like Indian in many ways - doesn't believe in a structure, wants to play freely, wants his teammates to enjoy the game and for me he is an X-factor player. There's no doubt that there's very little you can do when such players are in great form De Villiers, at this time, is certainly one of the very best in the world. Hashim Amla too is an X-factor player - he is an intense character and spends a long time at the nets. In many ways, the batting lineups of both teams South Africa and India are very similar. For India, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni are the X-factor players. Both these are capable of follow any score in any part of the world cricket.."

A strongly amorous individual, Gary is beware that the 'C' tag continues to hang out South Africa. At the same time, he is confident this team has the ability to counter it. "Every team in every sport chokes at certain points. It is natural. Yes, we have shaken at key moments. We had a great chance of winning the world cup in 1999. But we failed. It just takes a group of key players with lots of experience to overcome the situation and pay off themselves. I am very confident that this team has the ability. You know what, the real World Cup starts mid-March.Till then, you get a chance to fine chorus your game and ensure you don't crest too early. Thereafter, you can't slip. It depends which team is able to step itself the best," he said

It was interesting to see Gary delivered balls to Miller who was batting with just one stump. And each time Miller managed to make good contact, gary would get a thumbs up from the consultant. The strength  that Kirsten brings to the table is exactly what India has missed in Duncan Fletcher over the last few years. It is the difference between a hands-on and hands-off access and we all know which has worked better. Remorse the man is no longer with India and with three young children doesnt want to think of another assignment either. "I do go to India 3-4 times every year and may I say coaching India has given me memories I will never forget. But my children are very small and I don't want to take an international coaching assignment for the next few years, at least. In any case, I am with the Delhi Daredevils during the IPL, he groove off. 

India's loss is South Africa's gain.