He was once approached by the ruling Australian Labour Party to contest a seat in a federal election. Gilly, or 'Church' to his friends, is into Karl Marx, is said to be left-leaning and keeps trying to expand his horizons as a human being.
He is a director of more than one business venture and also supports many charities. A great ambassador of cricket, the captain of IPL team Kings XI Punjab spoke to TOI while driving through the narrow lanes of this scenic hill city on the team bus. Excerpts from the exclusive interview...
You've now spent four years in the IPL, first with Chargers.htm class=con_name2>Deccan Chargers and now with Kings XI. How do you look at the league and its future?
Well, IPL has undeniably been a big success, both in cricketing terms - the quality and skill it has brought together and the development of players both Indian and international - and from a business perspective, facilitating the first genuine entry of private business in cricket. It had a very positive impact on the business of cricket.
There is a growing demand for a separate window for IPL in the ICC calendar. What's you view?
It's inevitable really. For that to happen, everyone involved, including the BCCI, should be ready to make some sacrifice somewhere. IPL has become an integral part of the players' year: it's a high-priority area for them. It should be adjusted in such a way that most players can play 80 to 90 per cent of the matches, in the worst-case scenario.
Some people are questioning West Indian players like Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo for playing in the IPL while West Indies are facing Pakistan at home. Your take?
I'm very much a country-over-club person. It's up to the players and the administrators to find a balance. But if you look at it, the West Indians are the only ones who are having problems with IPL. I think it's also about giving the players the right infrastructure. The board there should look at improving its player relationship. The IPL and BCCI also need to sit down and give it a good shot.
You captained Chargers.htm class=con_name2>Deccan Chargers for three years and now you're leading Kings XI. What's been your experience with the two franchises? What's the difference?
The two have many similarities. In fact, it would be so with all franchises probably. They're all the same as far as the heart of the business of IPL is concerned. They all try to put together a good team and give it the best atmosphere to succeed. Kings XI's problems are well-documented. But I haven't seen them affect the team in any way. It's been a whole-hearted effort from the management this season. It's been very enjoyable for me as it was with Chargers.htm class=con_name2>Deccan Chargers.
Do you think IPL has helped bridge cultural gaps between players of various nationalities?
IPL had a very positive impact on cricket and the players. By playing in the league, cricketers have understood India and its culture better, as well as players from other countries. It's a great opportunity and experience. The best example is what happened between Harbhajan and Symonds. It was said that their relationship had reached a point of no return. Thanks to IPL, they're not only playing for the same team, they are said to be mates now. It also proves that you should never pass judgments over other people's character.
You said an hour back at the press conference that the past week has been one of the most fulfilling of your life. Can you elaborate?
Well, I'm not the most spiritual person in the world but it's great to be in this region. Going up the mountains, trekking, the meditation ... it's all very engrossing. It's like a pilgrimage, being in the presence of Dalai Lama. We've also played some good cricket here and the way we've celebrated has been very special.
How long can we hope to see you in the IPL?
(Smiles) I don't know. I'll sit down with the franchise after the season. But I'm not putting it in a time frame.
Courtesy:TOI