Former South Africa batsman Gary Kirsten celebrated his 53rd birthday on Monday (23 November) as wishes poured in from all parts of the world. The Cape Town-based player represented his country in 101 Test matches and 185 ODIs.Gary Kirsten scored 7,289 Test runs at a phenomenal average of 45.27. The left-handed batsman registered 21 centuries and 34 half-centuries in the game's most extended format.Besides, he was also quite successful in the 50-overs format, aggregating 6,798 runs at an average of 40.98. Gary Kirsten still holds the record for the highest ODI score by a South African batsman, having played a magnificent knock of 188 runs against the United Arab Emirates in the 1996 World Cup.The veteran cricketer played his last ODI match in the 2003 World Cup against Sri Lanka, while his last appearance in Test cricket came against New Zealand in 2004.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed him as the coach of the Indian cricket team in 2008. Under his guidance, the Men in Blue defeated New Zealand away from home, while they also registered their first bilateral series win over Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.The biggest challenge that the Indian team faced during Gary Kirsten's tenure was the Cricket World Cup in 2011. Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium was scheduled to host the finale and fans expected MS Dhoni's team to win their first World Cup in 28 years, which eventually came true.Later, Kirsten even coached the South African cricket team. While in league cricket, he has served as the coach of the Hobart Hurricanes and the Royal Challengers Bangalore.Since Kirsten has played a vital role in the success of so many cricketers, many of them took the time to write special messages for him on his birthday.Here are some of the top birthday wishes for Gary Kirtsen.Top birthday wishes for 'best coach' Gary Kirsten View this post on Instagram A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3)Wishing a very Happy Birthday to @Gary_Kirsten - the best coach we played under! Someone who knew how to build a rock-solid team and bring out the best from each player on the park. Hope you're doing good and staying safe. Have a great year ahead! 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/NjeORhsmYy— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) November 23, 2020Happy birthday legend,Best coach,mentor,big brother @Gary_Kirsten have a great year and life full of happiness.. love always.. pic.twitter.com/wTFx0KYaO1— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 23, 2020Gary Kirsten celebrates his 53rd birthday today 🎉 Here are a few interesting facts about the South Africa superstar.A thread 🧵 pic.twitter.com/dFeXy4LKUV— ICC (@ICC) November 23, 2020"Mahendra Singh Dhoni the best leader I have ever worked with" - Gary Kirsten 🔥Wishing @Gary_Kirsten A Very Happy Birthday On Behalf Of All @msdhoni Fans 🎉♥️.. #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/iaFysOOhUY— DhoniGifs ™ (@DhoniGifs) November 23, 2020🧢 101 Tests, 185 ODIs🏏 14087 international runs💯 34 centuriesHappy birthday to former 🇿🇦 batsman Gary Kirsten! pic.twitter.com/8A3cGl0cOM— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) November 23, 2020When @msdhoni was Bowling to @Gary_Kirsten in Nets and appeals for LBW.@pragyanojha , @mvj888 Giving out ! 🤩Happy Birthday Gary Kristen! ❣️ pic.twitter.com/xAIpKaWpID— Sharukh MSD™ (@StanMSD) November 23, 2020This man won World Cup as coach with Gambhir, Dhoni & Sehwag in same team.I have nothing but respect for Gary Kirsten. He will always remain as best ever coach of Indian Cricket Team. pic.twitter.com/lQb8ueTQaA— Nitin #ICT💙 (@LoyalMIfan) November 22, 2020Happy birthday, Gary Kirsten! Do you think he's the best coach India have had? 🤔pic.twitter.com/s5JYBr465r— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) November 23, 2020Highest ODI Score for Southafrica188* - Gary Kirsten185 - Faf Duplessis178 - Quinton De Kock176 - AB devilliers175 - Herschelle GibbsHappy Birthday Gary Kirsten— CricBeat (@Cric_beat) November 23, 2020