Tag: Retired

In spite of retiring from the game of cricket almost three years back now, it seems that Adam Gilchrist is still residing at large in the hearts of a large section of the cricketing community in Australia, particularly the Indian fans. The Swami Army, which is supporters’ group of Indians residing in Australia chanted slogans of ‘Bring Back Gilly’ in reference to the former Australian wicket-keeper batsman’s nickname in order to provoke the current Australian wicket-keeper Brad Haddin . Gilchirst, who retired from the international game in 2009 after a series against India, was an extremely popular figure among all cricket fans, mainly because of his explosive batting but also for his honesty that saw him walk off the field many times when he felt that he was out in spite of not being given out by the umpire.

According to the members of the Swami Army, which is being looked at as the Indian answer to the famous Barmy Army of England, said that they were winding Haddin up not only with chants for Adam Gilchrist but also chanted the name of Matthew Wade, the Victorian wicket-keeper who is being looked at as the long term replacement for Haddin in the Australian side.

Sumit Grover, a founder member of the Swami Army, however, said that chants were not intended to hurt the sentiments of Brad Haddin, who was seen gesturing in their direction many times when a wicket fell. It was, on the other hand, a chant for the love of the charismatic Adam Gilchrist, whose swashbuckling style of play earned him a lot of fan following in places far away from his native land.

The swami Army also managed to taunt fast bowler Peter Siddle who seemed visibly upset with their behavior and went on to complain to the field umpire about it.