Five life lessons to learn from the immortal Adam Gilchrist

The “Mighty Aussies” of the early 2000s terrified every opposition as they had a combination of stupendous players with whom none stood parallel. If you get one, two, three, four or let’s say five of the big wickets in the Australian batting order, the sixth would come out and win the game on his own and this is why they were almost impregnable.

Of the many who donned the baggie green during that time, Adam Gilchrist held a very special place not just in the team, but also in the hearts of the fans. He spent a lot in his late teen years and early youth years in the domestic circuit and almost lost hope at one point of making it to the elite level.

His perseverance finally paid off when he made his debut in 1996 and 12 years later, he retired from the game not before earning the “GOAT” status. 905 dismissals, 15,461 runs, 33 centuries in International cricket and one scintillating legacy – for many, this is what the great man had achieved in his tenure.

Adam Gilchrist was a lot more than just those amazing statistics. He was a revolutionary in the game, a gentleman par excellence and one of the most universally loved cricketers of all time. As the legendary cricketer turns 47, here are some attributes of his persona which might give us a pathway to lead a respectful life.

1. Being a gentleman never goes out of fashion

From the bamboozling Barbados on the west, the ever-exuberant Eden Gardens in India to the holistic MCG in the East, no matter where he was playing, the crowd always stood up and applauded Gilchrist when he came out to bat. If we were to sum up his legacy in a few lines, the previous sentence would be that.

He hailed from a side where cricketers were masters at being aggressive both with their game and actions. It doesn’t take long for people to get influenced and just follow the suit, but he wasn’t gullible. Although there were many around him who would go a wee bit over the line to antagonize the opponent, Gilchrist would never forget his ethics.

That is why he earned so much respect and makes him very special. A pleasant smile, calm demeanour and ruthlessly vehement with the willow in hand – Gilchrist was a collection of some unique facets and this collaboration made him very adorable.