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Gilly's goody-goody words are insincere |
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By: Khalid A-H Ansari |
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Date:
2008-10-27 |
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Place: Sydney |
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 THERE is more than meets the eye in the frantic reaction of former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist to disclosures in his country's media that he has accused Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar of lying in his yet-to-be released book True Colours.
Since any doubts regarding its contents would have ended no sooner the book was published, Gilchrist's unholy haste in defending himself and even telephoning Sachin Tendulkar to "clarify his controversial comments" is extremely curious.
The former vice captain's haste in denying Australian media reports via a letter to the Times of India and NOT the press in his own country, and the manner in which the letter has been phrased, betray duplicity and specious reasoning.
Gilchrist has tried to obfuscate the issue by injecting in his missive the element of "cultural differences" between India and Australia, to which he refers in his book.
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Sachin Tendulkar (right), Harbhajan Singh (left) chat with Australia's Ricky Ponting (2nd right) and Adam Gilchrist on Day Three of the second Test in Sydney on January 4, 2008. PIC/AP | The issue of "cultural differences" and all the claptrap about shaking hands with the opposition after a defeat is NOT the bone of contention.
The accusation of lying levelled at a cricketing demi-God is.
What has infuriated millions of Tendulkar's fans all over the world is Gilchrist's calling their hero a liar in reference to the ICC inquiry conducted by judge John Hansen of New Zealand after the infamous Sydney Test last January.
Gilchrist says speaking with Tendulkar was a "relief". It might have been a relief for the Australian, but there is nothing to suggest that it was so for the scorer of the highest number of runs in the game.
Terse
According to the Times of India, all that Tendulkar, a publicity shy individual, who hates controversy, said was: "Gilchrist called me up and clarified the issue. He said his comments had been taken out of context."
The newspaper says "Tendulkar did not elaborate further."
Tendulkar's terse response speaks volumes. He is fully entitled to feel aggrieved at the serious allegation of lying, which is a serious blot on his integrity, especially given that he is a role model for the nation's youth.
If the alleged publication of the charge of lying is true, Tendulkar would have a very strong case were he to decide to institute legal proceedings for defamation against Gilchrist, given the seriously damaging allegation of lying, and his own impeccable reputation for probity.
Angry response
According to the Times, Gilchrist's comments in the book sparked "angry reactions" from Harbhajan Singh.
"He should not be talking about Sachin. It's all rubbish," Harbhajan reportedly said.
"We don't respect him (Gilchrist). He pretends to be a saint and people say he walks when he nicks but why did he appeal when batsmen did not nick?
"He always changes his mind according to the situation. If Australia is close to a victory he is always going up whether it is out or not out.
"We need him to say these things just because he is retired. If you talk to any guy who plays or follows cricket about Sachin Tendulkar; they will talk about the respect he commands. These guys can't come close to him. I am shocked."
Former Indian captain and batting legend Dilip Vengsarkar said Gilchrist's statements were a "publicity stunt to sell his book".
Be that as it may, the entire unsavoury episode, apart from leaving a bad taste in the mouth, appears to have boomeranged on Gilchrist.
His conciliatory words about India and the Indian cricketing public will fool nobody.
Gilchrist says: "I have always enjoyed touring here ... and most importantly have many strong friendships here."
He speaks of his "sincere affection for India as a country and the very friendly passionate people that live here".
That Indian cricketing fans, known the world over to be hospitable, are also forgiving, was evident from Andrew Symonds' support from his fans in the Twenty20 tournament, despite his notorious run-in with Harbhajan Singh Down Under, which was still fresh in people's minds.
Gilchrist need not worry about the reception he will receive from Twenty20-besotted fans in India.
However, the perception has clearly gained ground here that Gilchrist, after pandering to the chauvinistic feelings of Australian fans is now sucking up to enraged devotees of Tendulkar in a country in which he (Gilchrist) is making money, the likes of which he never saw in his playing days. |
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