NEW DELHI: Harbhajan Singh minces no phrases in slamming Australian gamers as the previous India off-spinner has now accused legendary Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist for his involvement in cheating against India in the 2007-08 tour.
Harbhajan criticized Gilchrist, stating that he was not a “gentleman cricketer” and had been concerned in cheating. He urged followers to cease idolising the previous Australian wicketkeeper-batsman as a saint.
The notorious Sydney Test in 2008 between India and Australia was marred by controversies particularly concerning umpiring choices.
During the match, Rahul Dravid was controversially dismissed after lacking a straight ball from Andrew Symonds. Gilchrist instantly claimed the wicket, and Dravid was given out. The batter was surprised, and replays confirmed there was no edge, indicating the umpire made an error in judgment. This determination led to a heated debate over the equity of the decision.
“He is often praised for walking off after nicking the ball. For me, he was not a saint, and we should stop praising him. He was also involved in cheating against India in that Sydney Test. He knew that Dravid didn’t nick the ball but still claimed the catch. It was because of him the umpire declared the batter out. If he was so good, why did he appeal on that day?
“On one hand he used to stroll off to point out the world that he was a good particular person, however on the opposite hand, he was concerned in cheating. India have been not taking part in against 11 gamers on that however against 13 ( two umpires). We might have simply drawn the sport however ended up dropping due to what occurred on the sphere,” he added.
(Photo Courtesy: Harbhajan Singh