Former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman and former Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) skipper did not bowl a single delivery throughout his international career, let alone take a wicket. Even in List A cricket, he bowled for just 12 days. But Gilchrist decided to try his hand at bowling in his farewell Indian Premier League (IPL) match. On May 18, 2013, Gilchrist decided to bowl the first over of his IPL career against Mumbai Indians player Harbhajan Singh.
Nothing could be done in the final over of the match as MI needed 51 runs to win the match which was not possible until and unless Gilchrist failed bowled a flurry of no balls and wides. The Dharamsala crowd cheered the home captain as he came to bowl right-arm off-break.
Just one ball —
The crowd waited in anticipation for what was to come and it became one of the most iconic moments in the IPL history. Harbhajan had scored just 5 runs from 18 balls and decided to have a crack at the inexperienced bowler.
The ball was right in the slot for Harbhajan to hit for a six but one of his hands escaped the handle, leading to a mistimed shot. Gurkeerat Singh Mann, standing at the long on position, did not have to move much and completed the catch easily.
The celebration —
Gilly rolled on the ground in joy as he had taken a wicket off the first delivery of his IPL career. Then he got up and started doing the ‘Gangnam Style’ which used to be a thing back in 2013. Kieron Pollard and Harbhajan had done this on the field in past. However, Gilchrist did not disrespect anyone with his actions.
The record –
Gilchrist entered the record books with a T20 bowling average of 0 and a strike rate of 1. He was elated as it was unexpected for him to get a wicket and that too off the first ball. It is to be noted that Harbhajan has had a decent batting record in IPL while taking on bowlers in the death overs.
