Date:18/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/18/stories/2008041855641800.htm

Sport - Cricket

Gilchrist’s word of caution

V.V. Subrahmanyam

— Photo: P.V. Sivakumar

STAY FOCUSSED: Gilchrist wants players to focus less on the financial part.

HYDERABAD: Australia’s Adam Gilchrist has a word of caution for the players drafted into the high-profile Indian Premier League.

“If these players start focussing on money, they will lose direction. You have got to have the desire and a big heart to make a mark at very possible opportunity,” Gilchrist said in an exclusive chat with The Hindu here on Thursday.

“The IPL provides great earning capacity for the cricketers. But, the players have to be conscious of the larger responsibilities bestowed on them, and look at their careers in the long-term perspective,” Gilchrist said. “The IPL is a new concept, throwing a new onus both on the players and administrators. And I hope that international cricket remains sacred. I see Twenty20 fitting in nicely somewhere in the structure,” he added.

Pleasant memories

About playing with someone like Chaminda Vaas who was one of the bowlers who got smashed during the match-winning century in the 2007 World Cup final, Gilchrist smiled and said: “I hope to watch the video of that knock along with him and try to share a few thoughts.” Gilchrist said he will continue to use the squash ball in his batting gloves. “Definitely, yes. I don’t think there should be any problem with that,” he added.

Reflecting on the India-Australia series down under, Gilchrist said that it was one of the most demanding series of his career for the off-field issues that kept cropping up.

“Honestly, I think things could have been handled better. I hope we learn from those turbulent times,” he said. “But, it is rubbish to say that the relationship between the players was strained to a point of no return. I hope the IPL will provide a door to forge ahead.”

No regrets

Gilchrist said he has no regrets about retiring. “I did not retire to join the IPL nor was I under pressure. I just felt it was time to quit, and I did. It was only me and no one else was responsible for the move. I enjoyed every bit of my career,” he said.