Important to balance sports and studies: Adam Gilchrist to students
NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricketing legend Adam Gilchrist on Monday enthralled students of Delhi University and faculty with his life experiences at the University's Conference Centre and said it is important to balance both sports and studies as education is one of the important constituents of the overall development of an individual.
The record-breaking left hand wicket-keeper batsman drove down memory lane on the podium and gave glimpses of some of the most interesting and personal moments of his life. Addressing the gathering at the session, titled ‘Life of a Sportsman', Gilchrist said: “We were never able to beat India on their home ground and that was one of the things which were most talked about in the dressing room.”
Elucidating on his time with Steve Waugh, he said: “Steve Waugh will always be an irreplaceable figure for me. He helped me overcome my weaknesses.” He added that it is important to get out of the comfort zone and push oneself to the edge for the success in life. On the losses that his legendary Australian side faced in crunch matches, Gilchrist quipped that bad umpiring was to blame and not the team.
Career opportunities in the field of sports like stadium management, medical services, physiotherapy were discussed.
On his stint in the Indian Premier League, Gilchrist said: “It is really interesting to lead players from six different coun- tries with different ethnicities and languages. But team spirit and will to win is what kept us going.”
Answering a question from the audience about women's cricket, he said: “There are a lot of opportunities for women in cricket today. Harmanpreet Kaur from the Indian women's team, I believe, plays very meticulously and I have never seen anyone play like that.”
The event was organised by Kirori Mal College and Australia India Institute. Gilchrist is currently the Australia-india Education Ambassador.