Bangalore: Coach-designate Gary Kirsten was at the Chinnaswamy Stadium till the afternoon on Day I and, among other things, had a pretty lengthy chat with Lalchand Rajput, who has been designated as his assistant for the forthcoming tour of Australia.

“Kirsten spoke generally... He wanted to check on a few things... However, he did say that the team was doing well,” Rajput told The Telegraph.

The South African will take formal charge on March 1, but is going to join Team India Down Under after the second Test, in early January.

Kirsten, who arrived on Friday evening, leaves for home on Sunday night. By then, part of his getting “familiar” exercise should be complete.