Johannesburg, The Indian cricket squad does not exactly have an enviable record playing abroad but newly-appointed coach Gary Kirsten believes he can definitely help with changing this.

"I want the (Indian) players to play less as individuals and more together as a team," Kirsten told the Afrikaans daily Beeld here Thursday.

"There are fantastic players in the group and I'm looking forward to working with them."

The BCCI announced Wednesday that Kirsten would take over the reigns after the Indian side was without a coach for the greater part of this year. Australian Greg Chappell lost his position as coach after the shock first round ousting of India in the World Cup in March in the West Indies.

One of Kirsten's first tasks will be to help India outwit Graeme Smith's side when they tour India in March and April next year.

Kirsten said that he was excited about the new challenge: "I thought very carefully about the offer because of few logistical reasons, but not over the post itself. I have previously turned down offers for coaching, but I could not say no to this one."

Kirsten will join the Indian team as a consultant in Australia early next year before taking over as coach.

Reacting to reports that cricket veterans and the media in India having mixed feelings about his appointment, Kirsten said, "Things will come done soon."

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