The worst case of mistaken identity ever in the world....

I have a story to tell…..

As you are no doubt aware, when cricket is played in India, most of the country comes to a standstill and gapes at the nearest giggle box to catch a glimpse of their idol. The consequence of millions of eyeballs watching your every move is that anyone who represents India for some duration suddenly lives their life in a fishbowl and instantly becomes public property.

An offshoot of this also involves commentators whose faces pop up from time to time via the comm cam, or the toss, pitch reports or hosting presentations. For those of us who were recently on duty in the Champions League, this event was no exception. We spent most of our time either shuttling between the host cities or working at the ground, but on the odd occasion when we had some down time it was always enjoyable just to get out and about and soak up the rich tapestry of that remarkable land.

During my time in India I had been mistaken for Simon Doull a couple of times which is nothing horribly earth shattering, but whilst on the beat one day in Hyderabad I experienced a world record case of mistaken identity that is absolutely mind boggling! Pommie and I were strolling around a shopping centre, enjoying a few hours away from airports and cricket stadiums and catching up on our life paths over the last few years. We inadvertently walked into a store that seemed to sell literally anything and everything and started snooping around with little intention of making a purchase.

All of a sudden the manager was all over me like a cheap suit and talking cricket at a million miles an hour. In a flash he whipped out his camera and a photo was taken with Pommie and then with me. Out of nowhere appeared all the other shop assistants and all were eagerly holding their cell phones with camera at the ready to snap off a few more smileys.

As Pommie and I obliged these cricket fanatics cum shop assistants the smiles got wider and wider. Then out came the autograph books and a few scribbles later we were preparing to leave when clarity presented itself and the reason for the mad scramble for a photograph with me became crystal clear.

The manager approached me sincerely and with a perfectly straight face thanked me for my patience with his staff.

Astoundingly, as he looked me in the eye with handshake at the ready he said,

“Chris Gayle it was a pleasure to meet you sir!!!!”

I thought Pommie was going to have a heart attack.