Adam Gilchrist bowled over by welcome at Delhi University

Adam Gilchrist has had some memorable experiences associated with India, and his recent visit to Delhi University was one more occasion to appreciate the country. Gilchrist was invited to Delhi University’s Conference Centre in North Campus and was welcomed by the Kirori Mal College (KMC)’s choir, who sang the Saraswati Vandana, the famed set of hymns for Goddess Saraswati.

Gilly has mentioned over and over again how coming to India is always a culturally enriching experience for him. However, the Australian was bowled over by the welcome he received at the University.

“I think that’s the beauty of India. When I go back home, I try to describe to my countrymen, my colleagues and my family what India is. The experience that you have and the value that it adds, culturally, are very difficult to describe back home. Coming over here and experiencing fresh bits adds to the cultural experience [each time],” said Gilchrist.

Life as a Sportsman

The former wicketkeeper-batsman, who is known to have revolutionised batting at the opening slot in limited-overs cricket, was at the University to deliver a talk on Life As A Sportsman. The event was held in association with KMC and Australia India Institute. Gilchrist took the opportunity to emphasise the significance and importance of sports in the development of a human being. He also stressed on the need to encourage more women to participate in sports.

“In Australia, we have the Women’s Big Bash League, which has a couple of Indian players. But in order to really give the game a boost here, you need to create opportunities for more girls to participate in cricket ­ or any sport, at the grass root level, and create a pathway for them to reach the higher level from there,” the left-handed opener shared.

Adam Gilchrist was also touched by the loud cheers he got from the crowd when meeting the students for the first time. “I appreciate an arousing reception of people cheering so much, while I am walking into the room but in my home country a lot of people don’t know who I am,” he said.

Are you McGrath?

He also shared a humorous incident from one of his previous visits to India. “It was not long ago when I had a meet and greet day. There were lots of photos and selfies, and I was smiling all day. Next day, I went to the airport to fly to Belgium for a similar activity and was pretty exhausted. I thought I’ve got half an hour at the airport, which I called ‘me time’.

Then, I sensed a gentleman looking at me… I saw him staring eagerly and I thought not now mate, not now and he conjured up the courage to come up and tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and smiled with a game face, and said ‘Hi mate’ and he said ‘Are you Glenn McGrath?’ And I got to know that I’m not that famous,” Gilly said amidst laughter in the room.