Kings XI Punjab captain Adam Gilchrist on Saturday hinted that he won't be taking any further participation in the Indian Premier League as a player from next season after his side crashed out of the fifth edition of the Twenty20 event here.
Finally, four years after his international retirement, Adam Gilchrist has called time on his IPL career, says a report in The Times Of India. “I have played my last IPL match,” he said after Punjab failed to make the playoffs. “I will sit with the franchise and discuss my future role in the team. I would like to continue as coach-mentor for the next year,” said the former Australian wicketkeeper.
It was an abrupt announcement that left even the franchise stunned. Gilchrist said his decision was spurred by the injury which made him miss a large part of IPL-5. “During that phase when I missed nine matches, I enjoyed being the coach of the team and did not seem to miss the action in the centre. There was no urge or craving for action. So, I have played my last cricket match and I would like to sit down with the owners of the team and decide on a future course.”
"It was a topsy-turvy road for us but the team fought really well. It was a pleasure to lead the side," the Australian said, according to a report in Indian Express.
Gilchrist also credited the Daredevils bowlers for restricting Kings XI to a modest 141 for eight after inviting the home team to bat. He said the hosts were 20 runs short of what would have been a competitive total on this track.
According to The Hindu report a Man-of-the-Match award against Chennai Super Kings here on Thursday was in keeping with his reputation, but he seemed to have run of steam on Saturday. His early dismissal left Kings XI Punjab grieving with Gilchrist taking a realistic look at his future in the IPL.
“I would say I've played my last game of cricket just there. I'll go away and have a think about it and talk to the franchise. If the franchise is still keen to keep me involved as coach, which is a role I've really enjoyed, I find that I still enjoy being around the group. To be honest I didn't miss the cricket that much.
“I loved the fact that I could play the last couple of games, but I didn't have the horrible desire that I was missing out. There isn't that fire burning in my belly quite like it used to. I have to think about it but I just feel I won't be playing,” he said after the team's loss to Delhi Daredevils.
On his IPL experience, he observed, “The IPL will feature prominently in my memories of cricket. To come with a team that was last the previous year and win the title was very special (Deccan Chargers). One of the great memories of my cricket career was at this ground last year — that partnership (206 against RCB) with Shaun Marsh. So yeah, it has been a great experience.”
