Gary Kirsten, who recently took over as head coach of the Sri Lanka national cricket team, is focused on preparing the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He initiated his tenure with a comprehensive team audit to assess player capabilities, acknowledging that while Sri Lanka has abundant talent, their current world rankings do not reflect this. Kirsten highlighted a concerning statistic: Sri Lanka has scored only 25 ODI hundreds in their last 100 matches, compared to higher figures from other cricketing nations. He aims to use data to guide player selection and performance strategy, advocating for a balanced team with depth to manage player workloads effectively. Kirsten also recognizes the impact of global T20 leagues on player preparation, preferring match experience over traditional training drills. With 20-25 ODIs scheduled before the World Cup, he is keen on adapting to the unique conditions of southern Africa, ensuring the team is equipped with the necessary skills for success. Kirsten's approach blends modern coaching techniques with Sri Lanka's cricketing heritage, aiming for improved results leading up to the World Cup.