Gilchrist called me up and clarified the whole matter: Tendulkar

Adam Gilchrist, who created a huge stir by questioning Sachin Tendulkar's deposition backing Harbhajan Singh in the 'Monkeygate' scandal, has spoken with the batting great to clarify comments in his forthcoming book, True Colours.

Tendulkar on Friday confirmed that the Australian did telephone him up to clarify things and added that the matter was blown out of proportion.

''Gilchrist called me up and clarified the whole matter,'' Tendulkar told Times Now in Pune.

''He said his comments have been taken out of context,'' added the batting ace, refusing to elaborate.

Gilchrist's remarks prompted angry reactions from the cricket establishment in India, with former players and administrators saying the remarks are "unfortunate and uncalled for", and only a publicity gimmick.

In his autobiography, an extract of which will appear in 'Good Weekend' magazine, Gilchrist has hinted that Tendulkar was a sore loser and questioned his honesty in the 'Monkeygate' affair that threatened to go out of hand during India's tour Down Under.

Terming Tendulkar's testimony during Harbhajan Singh's appeal as a "joke", Gilchrist noted, "The Indians got him (Harbhajan) off the hook when they, of all people, should have been treating the matter of racial vilification with the utmost seriousness."

Gilchrist was particularly disappointed with Tendulkar's behaviour who, according to him, had initially told the hearing that he could not hear what was said, he was "certain he was telling the truth" because he was "a fair way away". 

But during the appeal which followed, Tendulkar said that Harbhajan used a Hindi term that sounded like "monkey" to Australian ears.

The stumper was convinced that Harbhajan was guilty and considered India's threat to abandon the tour "a disgraceful act, holding the game to ransom unless they got their way", The Age reported. 

He also wrote that there was vast difference in the manner the teams approached the game.

"In the Australian mentality, we play it hard and are then quick to shake hands and leave it all on the field. Some of our opponents don't do it that way. Sachin Tendulkar, for instance, can be hard to find for a changing room handshake after we have beaten India. Harbhajan can also be hard to find.

"I guess it's a case of different strokes for different folks."