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'A chance to catch up with old friends and foes'
The Deccan Chargers may not have got off to a good start in the Indian Premier League so far, but Adam Gilchrist is not fazed.
- By D. Datta
- Published: 00:17 April 23, 2008
- Adam Gilchrist
- Image Credit: AP
Kolkata: The Deccan Chargers may not have got off to a good start in the Indian Premier League so far, but Adam Gilchrist is not fazed. One of the best strikers of the ball in contemporary cricket, the former Australian wicketkeeper fielded a range of questions during his visit here to play the Kolkata Knight Riders. Following are the excerpts:
Gulf News: Although you have retired from international cricket, the IPL is providing you another chance to rub shoulders with your old friends.
Gilchrist: Yes, I have retired from international cricket and the decision was taken after a lot of thought. This tournament is giving me the chance to be with the old friends and foes again. It's a new challenge for everybody playing in this competition.
You had always been a fan of Sachin Tendulkar. How did you enjoy watching him bat?
Well, Sachin Tendulkar is special, you have to acknowledge that. Having watched him from behind the stumps is great and I think there is no exaggeration in saying that he is the only batsman next to the legendary Sir Don. I do like V.V.S. Laxman's batting against us too. He had played some wonderful knocks against us and it was perfect joy to watch him.
How happy are you to be part of the inaugural IPL?
It's really interesting to be part of the IPL in its inaugural edition. I love to play for any adopted team. The excitement of this format is what really has drawn me into it.
What are your expectations from the tournament?
Certainly, this tournament is providing an opportunity for the cricketers to make money. For us, this is a new option and we should think over it, discuss it with the administrators of the game to reach a conclusion. However, like the other two existing formats, those who have the hunger to excel will only be successful in this format too.
In the last series, Indians had matched the Aussies in terms of aggression. Do you agree?
The Indians were aggressive and it showed in their behaviour. However, for me, the aggression should be backed up with performances too and the Indians did so in the last series. Sourav Ganguly, since he took over as the captain of the Indian cricket team, had instilled this feature to the team.
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