Damage done, Gilchrist takes a U-turn

Zeenews BureauNew Delhi, Oct 24: Facing heavy backlash for apparently questioning Sachin Tendulkar’s integrity in his autobiography True Colours, during the Harbhajan-Symonds racism row that erupted during the Sydney Test earlier this year, Adam Gilchrist rubbished the media reports, insisting that his words were being taken out of context. He spoke to the batting great and clarified his remarks made in his forthcoming book. Gilchrist clarified that he had written four pages on the incident in the book but media chose to quote just two sentences, blowing the issue out of proportion. Though Sachin Tendulkar himself refused to comment on the issue at a function in Pune, television channels reported that Gilchrist called him to say that the media had misquoted him. Describing the dramatic final moments on the final day of the Sydney Test, Gilchrist says: "We went into the Indian changing room and shook hands. Not all their players could be found, which points to another subtle cultural difference. In the Australian mentality, we play it hard and are then quick to shake hands and leave it all on the field. Some of our opponents don't do it that way. Sachin Tendulkar, for instance, can be hard to find for a changing room handshake after we have beaten India. Harbhajan can also be hard to find." He also reportedly called up Tendulkar to talk matters over. The former Australian wicket keeper will further clarify his side of the story in an article to be published on Saturday. Gilchrist's remarks prompted angry reactions from the cricket establishement in India with former players and administrators who described the remarks as "unfortunate and uncalled for" and said it was it was only a publicity gimmick.

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