Former Australia cricketer turned commentator, Adam Gilchrist took to social media to apologize for a mistake he did while commentating during Australia's 66-run win over India in the first of the three-match ODI series.
The incident happened in the seventh over when Navdeep Saini replaced Mohammad Shami in the attack. The former opener mistakenly said that Navdeep Saini had lost his father earlier this month, but realized his mistake that it was rather Mohammed Siraj who had lost his father due to illness after he arrived in Australia.
Yep, thanks @Mitch_Savage My huge apologies again to all. https://t.co/F8rYsD6fxm
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) November 27, 2020
Siraj, however, didn't travel back to India to be with his family and decided to stay in Australia and continue training with the rest of his Indian teammates. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that it offered Siraj the option to travel back but he did not take it.
"My father was my biggest support, it's a big loss for me. My father's wish was to see me play for India. My mindset is to fulfill his dream. My father is not here in this world but he is with me all the time," Siraj told BCCI in a video interview.
"My mom reminded me of my father's dreams. She asked me to stay there and perform well for India and fulfill my father's dream."
Yes, thanks @anshu2912 I realize I was mistaken in my mention. Huge apologies for my error, to both @navdeepsaini96 and Mohammed Siraj. 🙏😌 https://t.co/618EUIEyNU
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) November 27, 2020
On Friday, Saini made it to the playing despite being diagnosed with a back spasm on the eve of the 1st ODI. As he was bowling the seventh over, commentators Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist were heard saying for Fox Cricket how the Saini decided to stay back in Australia, choosing to not fly to India after his father’s death. Bowler Mitchell McClenaghan took to social media to point out the mistake and Gilchrist himself apologized later on.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Saeed Khan
