The legendary keeper expressed his admiration for the Queanbeyan product's resolve to win back his baggy green after taking time out during his young daughter Mia's cancer battle.

Haddin was a match-winner for Australia in its 5-0 home rout of England last summer but has averaged just 8.4 with the willow since.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann this week said Haddin's poor batting form was an issue, saying, "We can't have our No. 7 not making any runs, we know that".

But Gilchrist backed the 37-year-old to emerge from his slump, despite scoring just 21 runs in the first two Tests against India and retire on his own terms.

"I wouldn't ever write Hadds off. He's such a tough character and it's quite exceptional he's even in the team, given the personal circumstances he's been through," Gilchrist said.

"While he left for personal reasons, he had to genuinely fight his way back in, as Matt Wade came in and did a pretty good job.

"He's keeping almost to perfection at the moment, yet it seems to still not be acceptable he's not making runs.

"I would back him in to make some runs and when he does that, it will be up to him when he finishes."

With skipper Michael Clarke out injured and Steven Smith still feeling his way as leader, Gilchrist said Haddin's leadership ability on and off the field was crucial.

He equalled Australia's record of six dismissals in one innings during the Gabba Test.

"It's a really nice time in your career, I remember personally when you're embedded in the team," Gilchrist said.

"He's vice-captain and was almost captain [this summer]. With that comfort comes the ability to do your job and keep improving.

"He's now maintaining a better standard [of keeping] that anyone has for many, many years.

"This Test series has just been outstanding. With that I'm sure the runs will come and he'll be able to forge on for a while yet."

However, Haddin can survive on keeping alone only for so long and he will be desperate to make a big score in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne to shore up his spot before next year's Ashes defence in England.

"There's no big secret to it," Haddin said this week. "We're not sitting behind closed doors and having it out.

"I'm comfortable with where my game is at – everything is going in the right direction – I just need to get some runs.

"I'm not concerned about it. All my preparation and that has been spot on, I have just been out of runs. I am not stressed or too worried about it.  The game will turn and it will go my way."