TNN

Mumbai, Sep 17: Perhaps MS Dhoni would cherish this even more than the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year award he won recently. Adam Gilchrist, arguably the greatest wicketkeeper-batsman ever and the idol of millions of cricketers including that of the Indian ODI captain, says he is willing to pay to watch Dhoni bat.

"One of the biggest compliments I ever received was when my fans told me they could pay to watch me bat. I am willing to do the same for Dhoni," Gilchrist said on Tuesday. He was in the city for a promotional function for Woolongong University, of which the Aussie is a brand ambassador.

On the evidence of what Gilly spoke, though, it seemed that he was a brand ambassador for Mahi. "The award is thoroughly well-deserved. I can't praise Dhoni enough. He has led India as a wicketkeeper-batsman. And he has done it successfully, which is so tough considering the expectations here."

Gilchrist also bracketed Dhoni in the 'Fab Four' league and said India now have a Fab Five. And it's not just the batting that has impressed Gilchrist. His keeping earned praise too. "By experience, I can say that it's not easy to keep wickets to the spinners in the sub-continent. But Dhoni has done it well."

Talking about the India-Australia Test series, Gilchrist admitted the visitors would find it tough to do what they achieved in 2004. "There are many challenges that face this team, no doubt. It's not as experienced as the Aussie teams that have come here for the last 10-12 years. However, the youngsters in this team do have an idea about the Indian conditions."