There is no bias towards Australian players in the IPL: Brad Hodge

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a tournament where the best players in the world compete against each other. It is not easy to earn an IPL contract. Even if a player makes it to one of the franchises, it is very difficult to get into the playing XI as there is a lot of competition. In the shorter format of the game, there is usually nothing such as cementing your place in the lineup. At the end of the day, captains go with their strongest options and underperforming players are forced to sit on the bench.

A player’s spot in the playing XI must be judged by his performances and current form. His nationality and other factors must not come in the way of selection. Graeme Smith and Darren Sammy have sensed a bias from the Australian coaches towards their country’s players in the matters of team selections.

They feel that Australian players are getting the go-ahead despite their poor show in the IPL. Three of the four Australian coaches in the IPL has come under the scanner for persisting with underperforming players that have severely impacted their campaigns.

Aussies under the scanner

However, Brad Hodge, the KXIP coach refuted such claims and felt that there is no bias in team selection. “Look, I don’t see any bias at all from where I sit. We’ve got a few Australian players in our squad. I guess that’s what’s he (Smith) is hinting at, but I think what he’s suggesting is that those coaches will have a first vision at the Big Bash. A lot of us have also played and coached in other T20 leagues as well. So, I think Graeme might be assuming that once the South African T20 league starts up, if it does, then there might be more exposure for those guys.” Hodge told Cricbuzz.

The Delhi Daredevils persisted with Glenn Maxwell despite his poor show consistently. Maxwell managed just 169 runs in 12 games at an average of 14.08. Aaron Finch’s spot was also questioned as he managed just 134 runs in 10 games. D’Arcy Short was also given an extended run despite failing to make any sort of impact for Rajasthan Royals. Both Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab did not make it to the playoffs while the Rajasthan Royals were knocked out in the eliminator.

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