Missing the IPL a blessing in disguise for me: Marnus Labuschagne

Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne did not find any takers in the 2021 IPL auctions. Labuschagne had not featured in even a single match in the most popular T20 league in the world and had hoped to find some franchise that would be interested in him. But then, he went unsold.

And, the coronavirus situation in India has turned from bad to worse with the country experiencing a deadly second wave. And, amidst this situation, the 2021 edition of the IPL is taking place. Labuschagne opened up on the current situation that is prevailing in India.

He stated that he feels for the Australian players who are in India but was quick to add that he has not spoken to many of his teammates who were not feeling safe. Labuschagne added that he hopes that the Australians are safe and they get back to the land of kangaroos safely.

“You obviously feel for them. But I haven’t spoken to too many guys that are feeling unsafe. I just hope that they stay safe and get back to Australia safely whenever they do,” said Labuschagne as quoted by Sky Sports.

“There’s always two sides to a coin,” says Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne further stated that missing out on the 14th edition of the IPL is a blessing in disguise for him, and added that there are always two sides to a coin. Adding that if he had played in the IPL, he would not have got the opportunity to win the Sheffield Shield tournament, Labuschagne further said that the conditions in India are not great. He also opined that things are opening up in Wales, which is a positive sign.

“It certainly looks like it was a blessing in disguise. I would love to have played in the IPL, it’s a great tournament. But there’s always two sides to the coin. If I was in the IPL, I would have been away and to win a Shield is something that doesn’t come around often.

Secondly, you look at the conditions in India now and it’s not looking great. Being in Wales, things are opening up and that’s a real positive. People are getting some freedom after the last 12 to 18 months,” said Labuschagne.

The Australian further added that looking at the Covid-19 situation in Australia where the cases are almost down to nil, he would like to have the crowds back in the stadium. Labuschagne concluded by stating that playing in front of crowds definitely changes the dynamics of things.

“I can’t see any reason why there won’t be any fans in Australia at this stage. I think the Covid cases are almost down to zero or not many community spread cases at least. Considering we had crowds at almost every game this summer it would seem there will be crowds and that’s exciting from any cricketer’s perspective. Playing in front of crowds definitely changes the dynamic, but even without them you’d still have to turn up as a player and give it your all,” concluded Labuschagne.