A salute to Gilly!

I know that this is a little late (or premature depending on which angle you look at it from), but I think that the one cricket player in the recent past I truly admire and doff my hat to is Aussie Adam Gilchrist. Not just for being an excellent player and the cornerstone of many an Australian triumph in the last decade or so, but for the other qualities that he bought with him while playing the game that he loved the most.

Gilly played cricket in a manner that was typically Aussie, believing that "Attacking was the best form of Defence". But, in my eyes he was the most affable and gentlemen cricketer in the Aussie side. Probably the only opponent who genuinely applauded a good effort even if it came from the opposition. Probably the best example of true sportsmanship with his behavior on & off the field.

His announcement to retire from the game was not entirely unexpected in the near future, but what was interesting that he chose his moment when he realised that his love & hunger for the game had diminished in the recent past. He could have gone on for some more time but he chose to direct his steps in another direction. (Though some might argue that it was more lucrative than his current contract. But I beg to differ.) A direction that allowed to explore other opportunities in life like watching his children learn through life's experiences and growing old with his spouse.

I am sure that Australia and the rest of the cricketing world will miss the fireworks from his magic willow and those reliable gloves that he adorned in all versions of the game. Gilly - Best of luck from my side!

And this is what life is all about. Isn't it? Making the choices that you really want. You can ruminate and ponder and wondering whether the consequences will be good and bad, but it will satisfy you in the long run that you have made the choices that you truly want - regardless of the consequences. (There is a Calvin and Hobbes strip which I will post in case I get the link or I will describe it in my next post which exemplifies this point very well)

Sure, your friends and family are there to dispense advice (completely free always and absolutely useless at times), but you must take the plunge when u want and where u want.

And then - Hakuna Matada - No worries!