Gilchrist smitten by Dhoni
espnstar.com’s Rajarshi Gupta spoke exclusively to former Australian wicketkeeper and Deccan Chargers skipper Adam Gilchrist.
As confident and vibrant as ever, Gilchrist still wears his heart on his sleeves and sounds as forthright as his marauding batting style.
What more, the legend is also smitten by his Chennai Super Kings captain and India skipper MS Dhoni.
"I think Dhoni is a fine batsman and a fine wicketkeeper. He has done a good job for India over the years.
It will be wrong to pigeon hole Dhoni in any category," Gilchrist quipped when asked if MSD had proven to be a better batsman than a keeper.
"Dhoni has done well in all facets of his game and his achievements speak for himself. He is a good leader of men too."
Nearly two years after his retirement from international cricket, the legendary Aussie continues to be an enigma, having already inspired a generation of cricketers.
The Ranchi lad never made any secrets about his role model. It was Gilly. Not surprisingly therefore, Dhoni's batting and attitude on the field reflected the aggression and panache that the Aussie southpaw exhibited over a decade on the big stage.
Gilchrist also seconded Australian captain Ricky Ponting's views on seven match ODI series, one of which is being played out between his team and hosts, India.
"Seven ODI's are way too many. I think the number of matches needs to be considered when playing a bilateral."
Gilchrist, however, thinks the series will be well fought between two very "tough" teams.
"I think the series will be tough and very tight. India are always difficult to beat at home."
India lead the series 2-1 after narrowly missing out on a win in the opener in Vadodara. While the Aussies have been plagued by injuries to a few key players, the contest has been as engrossing and enthralling as Gilchrist had predicted.
Having led the Deccan Chargers to IPL glory in South Africa this year after finishing bottom of the table in the inaugural edition in India, Gilly looks every inch the danger man he was on the field during his Baggy Green days. Could he not have continued to play for Australia for a couple of more years?
"No, I think I quit international cricket at the right time. It is always better to go out on a high."
That is the stuff champions are made of. You want to see more of them but they know when to draw a line.
Gilchrist evokes the same respect and fear amongst the bowling community that he did for so many years. Ask the other seven IPL teams.
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