Gary Kirsten axed as Delhi Daredevils head coach

Kirsten, who took over as coach of the GMR-owned franchise ahead of the 2014 season as the team sought to start afresh following a spate of poor seasons, failed to inspire the kind of performances that had been expected of him, after his exploits with the Indian and the South African national sides. The Daredevils ended with the wooden spoon in 2014 and despite another squad revamp the following year, fared only marginally better in 2015 with a seventh placed finish.

“Gary, with his rich coaching experience, made significant contribution towards our team culture and his work ethics were immaculate. We appreciate his contribution towards our team rebuilding process and would like to wish him the very best in all his future endeavours,” Hemant Dua, the CEO of the franchise said on Monday.

The Delhi side are now reported to be looking at elevating Zaheer Khan to a player-cum-mentor role, the kind played by Shane Warne and Rahul Dravid for the Rajasthan Royals in the past. The former India fast bowler, who retired from international cricket earlier this year, had said that he would play aonther season of the IPL in 2016, before hanging up his boots.