Calcutta: Adam Gilchrist kept a promise made last year: That he’d return to St Peter’s High School, where around 80 per cent of the students come from the slums and footpaths of the city, on his trip here for IPL-VI.

Gilchrist, who is captaining the Kings XI Punjab, spent about an hour at the school on Friday morning and was accompanied, among others, by parents Stan and June.

On the way out of the AJC Bose Road school, Gilchrist told The Telegraph: “Another amazing experience to see so many happy, smiling young faces... We were made to feel so welcome...

“Education is so important in one’s life and St Peter’s gives an opportunity to learn... It deserves to be supported.”

According to the principal, Fr Peter Anthony, Gilchrist “wowed” the around 500 students and the guards had a “tough time” keeping the uninvited locals out.

“Gilchrist had been a hit last year, during the IPL’s fifth edition, and proved to be a big hit this time too... He plans to help the school,” Fr Anthony said.

He added: “Gilchrist spoke about the difference cricket has made in his life and hoped that some of the boys would also make a career out of the game.”

The students may back the local franchise, the Kolkata Knight Riders, in the other matches, but when Gilchrist asked who they’d be backing in the evening, the boys roared “Kings XI Punjab.”

As it turned out, the Knights scored over the Kings, winning with much to spare.

Gilchrist came into contact with the school through a Calcutta Stations Mission connection. The charitable organisation, which is headquartered in his hometown Perth, provides lunch to “25 students” daily.

The school, incidentally, was founded by Mother Teresa in 1957. So, it has a history.