'Just being nice to someone will not earn you a spot in the IPL' - VVS Laxman hits back at Michael Clarke

Micheal Clarke is a respected former cricketer. Since his retirement from the game in 2015, Clarke has been involved in the commentary jobs around the world. Recently, Clarke had said something which didn’t go too well with everyone.

The former Australian captain said that no Aussie player tries to sledge the Indian captain Virat Kohli as they are too scared. He further said that the Australian players are afraid as they think they might lose their IPL contracts if they sledge the Indian captain. After listening to his comments, former Indian batsman VVS Laxman said how he disagreed with the comments. Laxman, in a recent television interaction, revealed that he doesn’t agree with what Clarke said.

Laxman said that being nice to anyone would help any cricketer to get an IPL contract. He further said that it is the calibre of the player which helps the player land a contract in the IPL.

VVS Laxman has been the mentor of Sunrisers Hyderabad

“Just by being nice to someone doesn’t get you a place in IPL,” VVS Laxman said during a TV show on Star Sports. “Any franchise will look at the player’s calibre and value add to the team, which gives them desired results by winning matches/tournaments. These are the kind of players who get IPL contracts. So just being nice to someone will not earn you a spot in the IPL.”

VVS Laxman, who has been attached with IPL since its inaugural season, went on to say that being friendly with any Indian cricketer will not help any player to get an IPL contract. Laxman, who has been with the Sunrisers Hyderabad as a mentor since a long time now, further stated that the players who play really well for their national sides and can add value to a franchise are the only ones to get picked in the IPL.

“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 international 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 IPL”, said Laxman.