The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : ‘IPL is history in the making’

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‘IPL is history in the making’

VVS (Laxman) is the natural captaincy choice
Keen to learn about different cultures

— PHOTO: P.V. SIVAKUMAR

Adam Gilchrist.

HYDERABAD: Adam Gilchrist said that the Indian Premier League was not meant to just create money.

“If all the development programmes are put in place, it could usher in a new chapter. I sincerely believe that the IPL is history in the making,” Gilchrist said during a media interaction on his arrival in the city to play for the Deccan Chargers in the IPL.

About his IPL goals, the former Aussie stumper said that the objective of everyone would be to win the title. “I look at the IPL this way: take the first two matches and then think of the semifinal and later the final,” he said.

About captaincy, Gilchrist said he never aspired for the post. “I never felt that I must be the captain. I think Ricky did a fantastic job as captain. Well, VVS (Laxman) is the natural choice for our IPL team,” he said.

Different cultures

The Australian star said that one of his goals would be to learn about different cultures while interacting with players of different countries. He also promised the fans exciting and entertaining cricket during the IPL.

Referring to the Australian leg-spinner Stuart McGill’s comments that many back home play only for money, Gilchrist said he could not speak for someone else. He, however, said that the IPL provided a good chance for many active and retired cricketers. “If this is just a window for some players to earn money, why not,” he asked.

About the influence of ODI cricket, Gilchrist said: “Definitely, one-day cricket did have an impact on wicket-keeping. You cannot rest being good in only one facet of the game anymore. You have to have extra talent,” he said.

Will Test cricket take a backseat because of the growing popularity of the Twenty20 format? “When the IPL is on, the whole focus will be here as many players from across the world will be in action. It is quite natural,” he said.

Back yourself

Talking about his exceptional record, Gilchrist said it depended on how you trust yourself. “Sometimes you succeed, sometimes you don’t. You have to face it,” he said.

He felt that there would be no scope for sledging in the IPL as he doubted whether there would be enough time to even discuss things with his teammates on the field due to the frenetic pace of the game.

“For me, the most fascinating aspect of Indian cricket is the passion the crowds have for the sport. It is amazing and it is no wonder India is the second best team in the world now,” Gilchrist said while speaking about Indian cricket.

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