Can't wait to be back in India: Adam Gilchrist

Tags: India, Australia, Adam Craig Gilchrist, Harbhajan Singh

Published on: Aug 07, 2020

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh enjoyed playing against the Australians. In the 2001 home series in particular he was all over the Aussies, finishing with 32 wickets in three Tests to almost single-handedly win the series for India. He was especially successful against Ricky Ponting, who couldn't score a run against Harbhajan and dashing wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist.

Looking back at his famous duels with Harbhajan, Gilchrist, in an interview with TV presenter Madonna Tixeira in her show ‘Live Connect’ recalled, that whenever he used to get out to the Indian off-spinner, a particular word would be used.

“I can’t remember what the word was but it wasn’t so much when I was scoring runs but every time Harbhajan got me out. There was a word I’m not sure I must be saying it,” Gilchrist said.

While Harbhajan dismissed Gilchrist seven times in his Test career, he got rid of Ponting the most -- 10 times, followed by Matthew Hayden (nine). While Ponting struggled against the Turbanator, Hayden scored also managed to score quite a few runs against the Indian offie.

Overall as well, Harbhajan had an excellent Test record against Australia. In 18 Tests against the best team of his era, Harbhajan claimed 95 scalps at an average of 29.95.

Apart from his battles with Team India, Gilchrist also has fond memories of visiting India. "It's always good fun he says," adding, "Love India. Indians treat us so well it’s beautiful. We stopped with the Chief Minister to look at the Gandhi statue that stopped traffic.

“One morning in Mumbai when I woke up and went for a jog around the water there... had a hat on, sunglasses on, earphones in, head down. Some Cricket fans spotted me and once I was spotted they kept running and running and running

“They chased me for a selfie. It was great fun. It’s always entertaining, always plenty of energy. Look forward to I’m not sure when the next trip will be but can’t wait to be back in India,” added Gilchrist on his fascination for India.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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