In his heyday, he had sent Indian bowlers all over the park and Indian batsmen packing with his sharp stumping and catches behind the wicket. But now, his role has changed –
Adam Gilchrist is now Australia’s Education Ambassador to India. Adam Gilchrist or Gilly, as he is fondly called, was in an
Okhla
Phase 1 park to meet youngsters on Wednesday. When we met him and asked if he knew of the recent wedding of
Preity Zinta, owner of the Punjab IPL team that he captained, he expressed great surprise.
In one of the IPL matches, Gilly did something extraordinary – he bowled, took a wicket and then did the Gangnam Style dance to celebrate it. When asked if he’d now do the Champion Dance step in MCL (Masters Champions League), he said, “Fortunately, no one will have to see me dancing again as I won’t be playing anymore. Leave cool dancing to the cool boys!” As for his future plans, Gilly said that at the moment, he is enjoying his role as Australia’s Education Ambassador to India.
Talking about
Virat Kohli, Gilchrist said, “He’s got the fire in his belly. He is doing great. He is a determined young man and he’s one of the best players in the game at the moment. It’s obvious that in time, he will lead India in all formats of the game.” On the comparisons drawn between Sachin and Virat, he said, “I don’t believe in comparisons. Sachin was extraordinary, while Virat is on an extraordinary journey.” About MS Dhoni’s retirement, Gilchrist, as one destructive batsman-wicketkeeper in
cricket
about another, said, “To be honest, MS has done enough to have the right to choose when he wishes to hang up his boots.”