Being in Virat Kohli’s good books doesn’t guarantee an IPL contract – Harbhajan Singh

Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke had recently said that the Aussies were too soft on the Indian team in the 2018-19 series in order to save their respective IPL contract. Australia had succumbed to their maiden Test series loss against India on their home soil as the visitors won by 2-1. Clarke had added that the Australian team sucked up to Virat Kohli and Co. as they wanted to break into the IPL side.

However, Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh doesn’t agree with what Clarke had to say. The Turbanator added being in Virat Kohli’s good books doesn’t guarantee you an IPL deal.

The off-spinner gave an example of players like David Warner and Steven Smith, who have been consistent performers in the league. Warner has been a big player in IPL and also led Sunrisers Hyderabad to glory in IPL 2016.

Harbhajan added that the big Australian players have earned their place in the IPL sides because of their consistent performances rather than buttering up Virat Kohli. Earlier, former Indian batsman VVS Laxman had also criticized Clarke’s remarks.

“Virat Kohli does not give contracts to all. If you’re good enough, nobody will stop you. Someone like (David) Warner or (Steve) Smith… How can you stop them? They don’t need to fear for their contracts. I don’t know if, at all, he felt there are guys (who fear for their contracts), he should have named them. But I don’t think putting everyone on the same boat is right,” Harbhajan said in a chat with TOI.

On the other hand, Australian captain Tim Paine and fast bowler Pat Cummins also disagreed with Clarke’s claims. It should be noted that Australia was under the cosh after the ball-tampering scandal.

The Aussies knew they were under the scrutiny and this led to them playing safe against the Indian team. The Tim Paine-led side wanted to regain their lost image among the Australian fans and thus they didn’t involve themselves in any verbal battle with the opposition.

Meanwhile, the Australian team is always known to take the bull by its horns and hence Clarke was left a tad surprised by the behaviour of the team against India.

India will once again tour Australia for four Test match series later in the year, if the current coronavirus pandemic situation improves. The Indian team is at the top of the ICC Test Championship with 360 points from nine matches whereas Australia is at the second place with 296 points after playing 10 matches.

Written by: Gautam Chauhan