Gilchrist apologises to Sachin Tendulkar

NEW DELHI: Following the furore over Adam Gilchrist's comments in his autobiography, Sachin Tendulkar said on Friday that the former Australian wicketkeeper had phoned him to clarify the controversial comments in his new book. (Watch)
Reacting to Gilchrist's questioning of Tendulkar's "honesty" during the 'Monkeygate' affair involving Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds, Tendulkar told Times Now in Pune on Friday: "Gilchrist called me up and clarified this issue.He said his comments had been taken out of context." Tendulkar did not elaborate further.
Gilchrist's comments in the book True Colours, due to be released next week, also sparked angry reactions from Harbhajan Singh, who said the Indian team had lost its respect for one of Australia's champion cricketers.
"He should not be talking about Sachin. It is all rubbish," Harbhajan told an Australian newspaper, "We don't respect him. He pretends to be a saint and people say he walks when he nicks, but why did he appeal when batsmen did not nick? He always changes his mind according to a situation."
"If Australia is close to a victory, he is always going up to appeal whether it is out or not out. We don't need him to say these things just because he is retired. If you talk to any guy who plays or follows cricket about Sachin Tendulkar, they will talk about the respect he commands. These guys can't come close to him. I am really shocked."
Former chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar, meanwhile, said Gilchrist's statements were just a publicity stunt to sell his book.
"You have to write something sensational to sell a book," Vengsarkar said. "I think it's a marketing strategy that Adam Gilchrist has adopted. It's very unfortunate, but a fact."
Lawyer VR Manohar, who contested the Andrew Symonds-Harbhajan Singh case in Australia, also came in defence of Tendulkar.
"Tendulkar was the nearest (to the Bhajji-Symonds spat) at the distance of one foot. As a matter of fact, witnesses like (Michael) Clark and (Matthew) Hayden have given untrue versions according to me because they could not have heard.
"They were such a long distance away, whereas Tendulkar was the nearest and it is only common sense that the man nearest will hear the most. This was even accepted by the New Zealand high court judge who was heading the tribunal," Manohar said.
MONKEYGATE TIMELINE
January 2-6, 2008, Sydney: Umpires Steve Bucknor (WI) and Mark Benson (Eng) make one error after the other as Australia win their 16th Test in succession. The 3rd day's play witnesses a heated exchange between Harbhajan and Symonds which prompts match referee Mike Procter to ban Harbhajan for three Tests for calling Symonds a 'big monkey'.
January 7, 2008: Harbhajan and BCCI appeal against the ban. BCCI requests for Bucknor to be removed from the Perth Test. ICC turns town the request. Indian team refuses to travel to Canberra for practice match. Procter stands by decision.
January 8: ICC axe Bucknor from Perth and replace him with Bowden. Sri Lanka's Ranjan Madugalle is flown in as mediator. Tour goes on
January 9: Team travels to Canberra. Justice Hansen of New Zealand is appointed judge for the Bhajji hearing.
January 13: Madugalle invites Ponting and Kumble for a cool-off session. Australian team holds round table conference on spirit of cricket prior to Perth Test.
January 14: India withdraw charge against Hogg. Kumble, Ponting scraps catching agreement. ICC decide Harbhajan hearing will be held after the fourth and final Test in Adelaide.
January 25: Procter's report on the Harbhajan case is leaked. It is revealed that the South African believed only what the Aussie players said and didn't even listen to Sachin Tendulkar.
January 28: Harbhajan hearing
January 29: The racism charge against Harbhajan is dropped and the three-Test ban lifted. The charge against the off-spinner is reduced from Level 3.3 to Level 2.8. He is fined 50% of his match fees. Aussie cricketers upset.