Michael Clarke is widely acknowledged as one of the best Australian captains of all time, and is one of the most committed cricketers I know. His respect for the baggy green cap stood out from his first Test match itself. So when Clarke says he would have done exactly what Rohit Sharma has, it is a strong statement. In this detailed conversation, Clarke set up the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, explained why Virat Kohli has every reason to be successful, and how Rishabh Pant could be key. Finally, he spoke on what impact the IPL auction might have on the series.
Boria: There has been a lot of talk on Rohit. It is now certain he will miss the first Test and will be in Adelaide for the second. I have written saying this is entirely a personal call, and had I been in his position, I’d have done the same. One Test match doesn’t make him a lesser patriot.
Clarke: Let me tell you something, mate. I loved playing for Australia and I loved captaining Australia. I loved the baggy green. Having said that, the happiest day of my life was when my daughter was born. Much more than a Test match or a win or even a World Cup. It is very different, and you can’t equate it to anything. Family comes first, mate. A Test match will come again, but this is a very very different moment. Yes, Rohit will be missed. His leadership will be missed, but I can tell you I’d have done the exact same thing if I was in his position. You can’t take these things away from anyone.
Boria: Strong words there, Michael. Ritika [Rohit’s wife] and the child are all good now, but I always think in these situations you have to be there, because if you are needed and you aren’t there, all your life you will not be able to forgive yourself.
Clarke: No two ways, mate. You have to realise and understand that we are human beings first. Rohit has done the absolute correct thing. Now, he can travel and join the team and fully immerse himself into the job. And he will be a key player for India, for sure. But what he has done is exactly the right thing to do.
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Boria: There is another thing doing the rounds, and that’s the IPL auction. There is a school of thought that says players wouldn’t be able to focus. First, if that’s the case, it should apply to both teams. There will be players from both teams who will be sold. And there are a number of Indians and also Australians who are retained. Where do you stand on this?
Clarke: Test cricket doesn’t let you think anything else, mate! It is very tough out there. You will not have access to your phones or to the Internet, and when you step inside the ground, it is just the game and nothing else. Players can check all this either before or after the game. The IPL is a fantastic tournament and I just love it. I have been there to commentate, and can tell you it is hugely exciting. But to say the auction will be a distraction for Test players is unfair and not true. I can’t imagine [Mitchell] Starc thinking about the auction while bowling! It doesn’t happen like that.
Boria: You have in an interview to Bharat Sunderasan said you expect Virat Kohli to stand up. Would you go into details please?
Clarke: Virat Kohli has had a lot of success in Australia – six hundreds in 13 Test matches, if I remember right. He still has the game. He will be hungry and he will know the conditions will suit him. I am very sure he will score the maximum runs for India if they are to win or do well in this series. As an Australian, I’d want Australia to keep him quiet. If he gets runs in the first game, he will get runs all series and will make it count. He loves the fight, mate, and loves getting into the action. See the build-up around him. All of this will pump him up for sure.
Boria: If the Australians sledge him, it could work well!
Clarke: I seriously don’t think the Australians will be as silly to do this. That’s exactly what Virat wants. He wants them to get into a fight with him. He will use it to get into the action. You shouldn’t give him that opportunity, and I am sure the Australians know it. He is much loved out here for all that he has done and achieved, and I am waiting to see him bat here. As I said, if India is to do well and win, Virat Kohli will have to score the maximum number of runs for the team.
Part 2 – On Gautam Gambhir v Ricky Ponting, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah and the Australian batting tomorrow.
Also Read: Travis Head backs Rohit Sharma’s decision to skip Perth Test