Dhoni: Keeping Kirsten tough

Centurion - Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Wednesday praised the contribution of South African coach Gary Kirsten to his team's success, but admitted it might be difficult for India to keep him when his contract expires after the World Cup, which ends in early April 2011.

"Gary has been one of the great things that has happened to us," said Dhoni. "We have had a great time under him. It's an advantage for us to have him."

Dhoni said money alone would not be the key factor in whether Kirsten stayed with the world's leading Test team.

"What you need to see is that he has been part of the Indian cricket team for the last three years.

"Gary wants to spend some time with his family, which is the most crucial thing apart from the money aspect. Of course, it will be a pleasure to have him in the side, but more than the cricketing part it will be the family that will have an impact on his decision."

Dhoni said talks about Kirsten's future had yet to take place.

"We've got a World Cup coming up and it's a discussion that will take place at the right time," he said.