Virtually confirming that he would take up the reins as India’s new cricket coach, former South Africa batsman Gary Kirsten said the deal would be “pretty much signed and sealed” by Monday.

Talking to PTI in an interview, Kirsten said, “They (BCCI) have given me a week to make a decision but it’s pretty much a reality. By Monday it will be pretty much signed and sealed,” he said.

Kirsten, who retired from first class cricket four years ago, said he would officially inform BCCI about his acceptance on Monday but as far he was concerned, it was a certainty.

“I have turned down numerous coaching opportunities due to family reasons in the past but this one is such an esteemed one that I have to take a different look at it,” Kirsten said. “It’s something I always wanted to do and to be offered such an esteemed job is mind-boggling. It’s something I am proud to have,” he said.

“I am very keen in principle to take up the post. At present,  I am just looking at the logistics with my family and how it is going to work out. Negotiations are underway about this and I would make a final decision by Monday.”
Kirsten revealed receiving an e-mail from former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, also an important member of BCCI’s coach selection committee, and said he was surprised.

“I think it’s an incredible honour. When I received an e-mail from Sunil Gavaskar a couple of weeks ago, initially I was rather surprised and then realised what an honour it is to be supposedly headhunted for what I could consider to be such a fantastic job.” Kirsten said the job would become effective immediately but he had obtained an assurance that he could start from March 1.