IPL 2: Hurricane Gilchrist Sweeps Delhi Off Their Feet!

Adam Gilchrist has given more outright joy to followers of the game than any cricketer since Ivan Vivian Alexander Richards. Once Gilchrist called it quits, he was missed as a cricketing force, as a contributor and as an entertainer. Thanks to the advent of IPL, one could get another chance to see this man do what he does best. Entertain. Gilchrist did exactly that when he came out to bat last night to chase 154 set by Delhi Daredevils in the first semi-final of the IPL and single handedly won the match for Deccan Chargers to reach the finals.

No one had watched batting of such brutality so far the way Gilly batted last night. 20-20 cricket for me is like watching the highlights of 50-50 cricket. If that holds well, what the hell was last night’s semi final chase by Gilly? Was it like watching highlights of the 20-20 game? He played with the same gusto that had set him apart from others during his hey days. He showed why he was such a force in his days and reminded everyone why bowlers had that primal fear at the sight of this man at the crease. When he came out to bat yesterday, he retained his signature attitude, impressed crowds with merriment as he slayed bowlers with swashbuckling strokes.

After he scored 5 consecutive boundaries off Dirk Nannes first over and the first of the innings to score 21 off it, no one from Delhi Daredevils displayed good body language. They appeared that they were fighting a lost cause as Gilly didn’t spare anyone. He was in murderous mood and murdered almost every Delhi bowler. As Sehwag mentioned in post match presentation, no one had a clue what was happening at the middle when Gilly was batting.

Gilly scored the fastest 50 off just 17 balls and ended his innings of 85 off a mere 35 balls before doing the damage heavily and ensuring that his other batting colleagues had an easy task ahead. His innings was truly a definition for skipper’s knock and no one could have defined this better than he did.

Gilly provided cricket lovers an opportunity to witness the batting at its very best and entertained everyone. I do hope he comes back next year too and keep everyone entertained.