The term “wickekeeper-batter” is commonly associated with Adam Gilchrist, a former cricket player from Australia. The old hand provided a little chirpiness and was fast behind the stumps. Gilchrist was once referred to by MS Dhoni, one of the top wicketkeeper-batters, as his favourite. However, the 52-year-old has disclosed that Rodney Marsh, a former Australian cricket player, was his idol.
Before retiring in 1984, Rodney—also known as Iron Gloves for his ability behind the wicket—set a global record with 355 dismissals. While highlighting the influence of one of cricket’s most revered glovemen, Gilchrist also cited his two other favourite wicketkeeper-batters, Dhoni and Kumar Sangakkara, citing the former’s composure. For those who are unaware, Gilchrist has 905 strikes, placing him second on the list of wicketkeepers with the most dismissals.
“My hero was Rodney Marsh. That was my ideal self. MS Dhoni… His calmness is appealing to me. Always cool, he did things his way. and Sangakkara Kumar. Gilchrist told TOI, “He was so classy in everything he did, from batting high up the order to his keeping skills.”
Laxman just eliminated us from the game, Dravid: Adam Gilchrist
While the Gabba Test of 2021 is widely regarded as India’s greatest Test triumph over Australia, fewer people remember the tenacity displayed by the Indian squad in a thrilling victory during the 2001 Kolkata Test. Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman batted for nearly seven hours after Australia forced a follow-on, pulling the victory out of the jaws of defeat. Remembering the match, Gilchrist joked that they had pushed Australia out of it.
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“VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid batted all day in Kolkata in 2001.” They simply removed us from the game. You practically knew you were a part of something remarkable, in retrospect, he continued.