Gilchrist sees ‘unconditional commitment’ behind Hayden’s stint with Pakistan

Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist sees his former opening partner Matthew Hayden’s passion and unconditional commitment behind his successful stint with Pakistan as their team mentor in the ongoing Men’s T20 World Cup.

Brought in by PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja, Hayden helped Pakistan to reach the semifinals in the previous edition of the tournament in 2021 and has now pushed the side from the brink of elimination to reach the title clash against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

“I would say his passion and his unconditional commitment to the role, which has been obvious for everyone to see. Those little snippets show just how much he invests himself into any commitment that he has, any relationship that he has.

“So it’s far from just being a job opportunity to earn some money and get a nice resume built up around coaching and consulting. It’s something he takes very seriously, as would Mike Hussey with England,” Gilchrist was quoted as saying by foxsports.com.au.

Gilchrist, who is currently a member of the commentary panel for the tournament, recalled an off-field instance that convinced him about Hayden’s huge impact on the Pakistan team.

“On the evidence, my son and I were going through the airport after the Adelaide games and the Pakistan team was in transit and they were all just hanging around Haydos. Hanging on every word. It was amazing. I think that just summed it up. The pride and the passion he has in any role he takes on.”

Gilchrist feels that Hayden’s mentoring with Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and Co. this year has been a fulfilling experience for him, who was also a batting consultant with the same team during their semifinal run in the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE.

“In speaking with him, what’s really impressed him and he’s found quite enjoyable from his role, and his perspective of the role, is just how eager the Pakistan players are to try and absorb any information from him.

“Any knowledge, any experience he was able to garner from a hall-of-fame career, particularly around World Cups, playing so successfully and dominantly in a couple of World Cups. He says they’re just like sponges, eager to learn and tap into that,” he added.