I’ve not called Sachin a liar, says Gilchrist

Bangalore, 25 Aug: Former Australian wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist on Saturday sought to douse the controversy he flamed by categorically denying that he had ever called Sachin a liar or a bad sport in his autobiography.

I’ve not called Sachin a liar, says Gilchrist.

In an article published in leading dailies across Australia and in India, Gilchrist, who leads the Deccan Chargers in the IPL, said “neither of these accusations are true and I felt strongly enough on this to immediately ring Sachin once it was brought to my attention, to explain to him,” The Australian stumper, who was often referred to as the honest Australian for his penchant to walk without waiting for the umpire’s finger, said that after his chat with Sachin, to clarify matters, there exists no ill-feeling between the duo.

“I am pleased to say that at the conclusion of our chat, the same respect Sachin and I have always had for each other continues to exist.” He says that the reference to Sachin and Harbhajan not being available for a hand-shake after a match was mentioned more in the context of a cultural difference than of describing it as an example of bad sportsmanship. “It’s simply my thoughts and from my experiences it seemed that this routine (of shaking the opponent’s hand) wasn’t as important to some oppositions as it was in Australia, where it is drilled into us from an early stage,” he said.

He said his comments that Sachin and Bhajji were sometimes not around to shake hands were based on the cultural differences that he wanted to highlight as a reason that resulted in several of the disputes or flare-ups between the two proud nations of India and Australia in the past. On the question of Harbhajan’s hearing, he said the only reference in the book was to recall the way in which the events unfolded from the initial hearing through to the final judicial hearing a few weeks later. “All I stated are the facts that everyone knows, that initially Sachin mentioned he wasn't sure what Harbhajan had said, then later confirmed his support when Harbhajan said he'd used a Hindi word in the heated exchange with Symonds.

Nowhere do I accuse Sachin of lying,” he said. He said it was a great relief to have spoken to Sachin and clarified the matter with him. “I have always admired his amazing cricketing ability and spoken regularly about how I believe he has set the finest example of how to handle fame and the extraordinary public profile that comes with being an Indian cricketing superstar.” he said. He also went on to say that those who knew him well and have read the book in its entirety would understand the sincere affection he has for India as a country.

“I have always enjoyed touring here, and most importantly have many strong friendships in India. For those reasons and for my personal friendship with Sachin, I was most concerned that a few off-the-mark headlines and interpretations of my book could possibly sour those friendships,” he concluded. On his part, Sachin Tendulkar too clarified that the former Australian ace had spoken to him and clarified that his remarks were taken out of context and presented in a sensational way by the media. Source: India Syndicate