inspiration

Parthiv Patel: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“Whenever I close my eyes and seek inspiration during trying times, I see only Tendulkar!"

Parthiv Patel, who made his Test debut at 17, has just one idol—Indian icon, Sachin Tendulkar.

What he really meant:

“Inspiration—thy name is Sachin Tendulkar.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Eyes wide shut, I have T20 vision—visions of Tendulkar.”

Gary Kirsten: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“I want to go to war with this guy.”

Gary Kirsten is so impressed with Mahendra Singh Dhoni that he would not mind charging off to war, as long as he has the Indian skipper by his side. Kirsten feels that he was the “inspiration” to the Indian squad because of his work ethic whereas Dhoni’s “presence” was the calming influence.

What he really meant:

"Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the best person to have beside you,  watching your back in battle.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“We’ve read ‘The Art Of War’ like a zillion times.”

Simon Katich: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“He [Sachin Tendulkar] is an inspiration to all of us older guys, because he was written off a couple of years ago, ironically by one of our selectors, and the fact is he has proved him wrong.”

Simon Katich informs the Australian press that selectors are not infallible, pointedly referring to Greg Chappell’s comments on Sachin Tendulkar in the past. 

What he really meant:

“If Sachin can bat, bowl and field—at his age—with the abandon of youth, can’t I, too? A big X for Greg.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Greg prodded and spurred Sachin to greater heights.”

“Saurav Ganguly will vouch for Greg’s excellent track record.”

What he said, really meant and definitely didn’t: David Hussey

Jason Gillespie

What he said:

“I think he found himself in the bar more.”

David Hussey reckons that the Dalai Lama at Dharamshala is no inspiration for Jason Gillespie.

What he really meant:

“A couple of drinks and Jason discovers facets of himself he never knew existed. Unfortunately, so do others.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Jason’s studying for the bar.”