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India heroes VVS Laxman and Kris Srikkanth respond to Michael Clarke claiming Australia ‘sucked up’ to Virat Kohli because of IPL deals


Michael Clarke claimed Australia ‘sucked up’ to India (Picture: Getty)

VVS Laxman and Kris Srikkanth have dismissed claims Australia ‘sucked up’ to India during their last Test series and were ‘scared’ to sledge Virat Kohli because of the Indian Premier League.

India clinched their first Test series victory in Australia at the start of last year, with Kohli’s side winning the four-match series 2-1.

Former Australia captain Clarke felt the hosts lost their competitive edge during the series and were ‘scared’ to sledge India as they wanted to protect their IPL contracts.

The IPL is the biggest and most lucrative Twenty20 competition in the world and a number of Australian players were due to feature in the 2020 edition, which has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Laxman, who scored 23 centuries in 220 matches for India, told Star Sports: ‘Just by being nice to someone doesn’t get you a place in IPL.

‘Any franchise will look at the player’s calibre and value when they add to the team, as this gives them the desired results of winning matches.

‘These are the kind of players who get IPL contracts. So just being nice to someone will not earn you a spot in the competition.

Virat Kohli’s side clinched a historic win over Australia last year (Picture: Getty)

‘If you’re friendly with any Indian player it doesn’t mean that you are getting IPL contract.

‘As a mentor, I’m on the auction table and we select players, those players that have played exceptionally well for their country and can add value to the franchise.

‘Friendship with any Indian player doesn’t ensure entry into the Indian Premier League.’

Former India captain Srikkanth added: ‘You do not win matches just by sledging. His statement was ridiculous I would say.

‘If you ask people like Nasser Hussain or Sir Vivian Richards, they will tell you you can never score runs or get wickets through sledging.

‘You need to play good cricket and showcase determination; you need to bowl well to get wickets and bat well to achieve targets.

Tim Paine has rejected Clarke’s accusations (Picture: Getty)

‘I don’t think sledging helps in any way.’

Current Australia captain Tim Paine, meanwhile, has rejected Clarke’s accusations, telling ESPNcricinfo: ‘I certainly didn’t notice too many people being that nice to Virat or not trying to get him out.

‘I thought everyone who had the ball in their hand or when we were batting were trying their absolute best to win the game for Australia.’

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