Indian players used to say a word whenever Harbhajan Singh got me out: Adam Gilchrist

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh had oodles of skills and he had taken the cricket world by a storm with his terrific performance in the Test series against Australia in 2001. Australian cricket team had arguably the most dangerous batting line-up back in the 2000s with the likes of Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden. However, Harbhajan was known to dominate the Aussie players with his brilliant bowling.

Recently, former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist recalled his encounter with Harbhajan Singh on the match field. Gilchrist revealed that the Indian team used to say a particular word whenever he got out to the off-spinner.

In an interview with TV presenter Madonna Tixeira in her show ‘Live Connect’, Gilchrist said, “I can’t remember what the word was but it wasn’t so much when I was scoring runs but every time Harbhajan got me out… There was a word I’m not sure I must be saying it.”

Having made his international debut for India in 1998, Harbhajan had to face a lot of troubles at the early stage of his cricket career. However, in his comeback series in 2001, the 40-year-old bounced back and became the first Indian to take a hat-trick in the longest format of the game. The Punjab stalwart picked up 32 wickets in the three-match Test series ensuring India’s victory at home.

The former Indian cricketer also has the record of dismissing the former Australian captain Ricky Ponting for the most number of times in his Test career i.e 10 times followed by Matthew Hayden who is at second number with 9 times. Harbhajan also dismissed Adam Gilchrist seven times in Test cricket. In his 18 matches against Australia, Harbhajan has picked up 95 wickets at an average of 29.95.

Can’t wait to be back in India: Adam Gilchrist

Remembering the fond memories from the Indian tour, the former Australian captain said that he loves India and is looking forward to visiting the country soon. Praising the Indians, Gilchrist added that people in India treat him with respect and it is always fun going there.

Further in the interview, Adam narrated an anecdote from one of his visits to India. He recalled how once people chased him for a selfie when he went for a walk in the Mumbai city.

“One morning in Mumbai when I woke up and went for a jog around the water there …had a hat on, sunglasses on, earphones in, head down. Some Cricket fans spotted me and Once I was spotted they kept running and running and running. They chased me for a selfie. It was great fun. It’s always entertaining, always plenty of energy. Look forward to it. I’m not sure when the next trip will be but can’t wait to be back in India,” said Gilchrist.