Why IPL is important to Michael Clarke
There was a time when Michael Clarke was taunted as one of the most overrated players in Australian cricket. Besides, his frequent run-ins with fellow players didn't do his reputation any good. It didn't take long for Clarke, however, to establish himself as the "Iron Man" of Australia, scoring century after century.
As a captain, he showed traits of a disciplined and safe Steve Waugh and, at the same time, proved why he was the best bet to take over from Ricky Ponting with his attacking approach.
He was absolutely clear about his priorities, which kept him away from the Indian Premier League (IPL), and focused on his role with the Australian cricket team, which was once again going through a transition phase.
Now that he has walked into the sunset (ODI retirement) after leading Australia to its fifth World Cup title this year, he is ready to join the IPL jamboree and take up the new challenge.
In a conversation, Clarke told me: "I would love to play in the IPL and a part of me retiring from one day cricket for Australia gives me the time and opportunity to captain and play with Melbourne Stars in the Australian Big Bash League (BBL). And, I would love next year to get up and be a part of an IPL team."
Over the years, he has transformed himself from a brash, young and unapologetic cricketer to someone who has a strong head on his shoulders and Pup's performances have only raised his stature in the Australian cricket.
His light scuffle with Simon Katich after a Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2009 portrayed him as a "villain". Katich even went on to blame Clarke for cutting short his international career. Reports also emerged that he had a spat with senior players over the celebration venue for Mike Hussey's retirement. And then in 2013, when four players, including Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson were dropped from the Australian team after they failed to fill feedback forms ahead of the Mohali Test against India, Clarke made things crystal clear about his relationship with teammates.
But just like he grew as a batsman, he grew as a captain as well. He will surely be a great inclusion in the IPL and should be a hot favourite among the various franchises during the players' auction.
Clarke made a brief appearance for the now defunct Pune Warriors in 2012 to replace Yuvraj Singh and featured in six matches scoring 100 runs. Clarke fondly recalls the season and hopes that he can once again feature in a league that is dominated by Australian stars. "If a team wants me to come and play and then captain, I would be honoured. It is a competition I loved in my short time (there). Playing Test and one day cricket for Australia, I haven't been able to spend as much time with the IPL as I would have liked."
In cricket, there is no time to relax and Clarke knows it pretty well. The Aussies have a busy schedule ahead with the Ashes coming up.
England has always taken Tests seriously, but recent results have left them with a lot to ponder. Kevin Pietersen's repeated attempts to come back into the national side have met with strong resistance from top administrators of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Clarke knows the importance of Pietersen in a side that either has ageing stars or youngsters who need guidance.
"It is a tough one for me because I am friends with Kevin. I want to see Kevin back because he is an amazing player. I think it is great for the game of cricket, because he entertains the crowd. His performances and statistics speak volumes. If he is not playing, I think there is an advantage to Australia. But, as I have always maintained, it is about producing entertaining cricket for people to turn up in stadiums and watch or enjoy at home on televisions and Kevin's an entertainer," said Clarke.