Gujarat Lions’ coach and former Australia batsman Brad Hodge apologised to Virat Kohli for suggesting that the Indian captain missed the fourth Test against Australia at Dharamsala to save himself for the upcoming IPL.
Hodge had said it would be "pretty dirty" of Kohli if he turns out for the opening match as Royal Challengers Bangalore’s captain against David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad on 5 April.
I take this opportunity to apologise to the people of India, cricket fans, the Indian national cricket team, and particularly Virat Kohli for my previous comments. My intention was never to harm, criticise, or be derogatory towards anyone. They were intended to be light-hearted comments with the utmost respect to the Indian Premier League which I have thoroughly enjoyed through the years. Again, I am deeply apologetic to the country which has bough me so much joy, and its inspirational leader in Virat Kohli, to whom I mean no ill-intention & respect highly as a professional.Brad Hodge
After receiving immediate backlash for his statements criticising Kohli, Hodge had tweeted saying, “My question was not concerned to Virat Kohli but other cricketers who have put IPL before their country”.
Gautam Gambhir, Wriddhiman Saha and even Amitabh Bachchan had slammed Hodge for his comments.
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