ICC Champions Trophy | Adam Gilchrist urges Indian fans not to overreact
Former Australian legend Adam Gilchrist has urged Indian fans not to overreact following their defeat to Pakistan in the final of the Champions Trophy on Sunday. Pakistan comprehensively thrashed India by 180 runs to clinch their maiden Champions Trophy title at the Oval in London.
Adam Gilchrist is no stranger to India having visited the country numerous times during his playing days with the Australian cricket team. Moreover, he also understands the fanatic following the sport has in the country and especially the kind of attention that an Indo-Pak encounter grabs.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the former wicketkeeper has urged the Indian fans has urged not to get too carried away with their reactions to Sunday’s loss in the final. Speaking of the result Gilchrist said, "Before the game, I would have backed India, but (when) two horses race anyone can beat anyone in the short version cricket. I wouldn't say there has been an over-reaction, I am just encouraging (fans) not to overreact (on India's loss). Pakistan just played a perfect game of cricket," as reported by First Post.
Further, now that the Champions Trophy is done and dusted, the 45-year old believes that most nations will start looking ahead to the 2019 World Cup which will also be hosted by England. "(But) there is plenty of time to make adjustments," he said.
Although India reached the final of the Champions Trophy with MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh in the squad, there still remains doubts on whether the duo should be picked for the world cup in two years time, given that many believe they are not the players they used to be.
Commenting on the matter Gilchrist said, “There is exciting talent available to India. M S (Dhoni) is an experienced cricketer, he is the one to make that decision (whether to continue playing)."
As far as Yuvraj is concerned, the former stumper said, "Exactly the same as M S Dhoni. They are the players that know how they are going and whether they are upto another two years of full cricket. The selectors and the captain will be talking to them. They are world class players for a long time. Something will be discussed amongst the leadership group and the players. I don't want to give an opinion," he added.
Further, given that Gilchrist was known for his explosive batting, it wasn’t surprising that he was asked about his thoughts on Rishabh Pant, who has made a name for himself with his swashbuckling knocks in this year’s IPL and the former southpaw had this to say about the young Indian. "I haven't seen him play a great deal. I have seen highlights of him in the IPL, but haven't seen a lot of him. He will get an opportunity at some stage." Pant’s exploits in the Indian Premier League has earned him a spot in India’s squad for the tour of the Caribbean that starts on June 23.
Finally, the Australian cricket team has been going through a transition following their loss to South Africa last year. But despite the difficult phase, Gilchrist believes that his country is on the right track. “They have performed well in India. They have improved since that time (after the series against South Africa). There were big selection changes. They have improved and are heading in the right direction."
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