Virender Sehwag claims IPL contracts prevented Aussies from sledging

India thrashed Australia 4-1 in the recently concluded five-match ODI series. Australian players were relatively restrained in sledging, during the course of the series. According to former Indian batsman, Virender Sehwag, Australian players were scared they might lose out on lucrative IPL contracts if they sledge.

Sehwag pointed out to mega IPL auctions

The rivalry between India and Australia has been very intense over the years. There is always a lot at stake when the two powerhouses of cricket are up against each other. Sehwag argued that sledging Indian players might have worked against Australian players in the IPL mega auctions scheduled to be held next year.

“They (Australian players) are scared because of the next year’s mega IPL auctions. If they had sledged the Indian players in the ODI series, then the Indian franchise owners might think before bidding high for the Australian players. This can also be a reason for them not to get involved in sledging with their Indian counterparts,” Sehwag told India TV.

When Australia toured India earlier this year, Steve Smith seemed to look towards the dressing room, seeking help for the review decision. A huge controversy erupted after this incident. Smith did admit it was wrong to ask for help from the dressing room and termed it a ‘brain fade’. Sehwag claimed that the ‘brain fade’ incident kept the Australians quiet.

Australia was under pressure

According to the former Indian batsman, the Aussies were under pressure as they don’t have great players now. “I think the Australian team was playing under pressure because they don’t have all the great players now. Their team was dependent on two or three players — David Warner, Steve Smith and Aaron Finch. ”

He said that Smith couldn’t do much in this series and the brain fade incident in the Test series did create pressure on the Australians.

“Out of these three players, Smith couldn’t do much. Also, I think the fair amount of criticism which Smith received due to some of his actions, including the “brain fade” moment during the Test series created pressure on them,” Sehwag said.