New Zealand legend Sir Richard Hadlee believes that Indian cricket at the moment is the financial core of the game all around. The all-rounder feels that it is not only just the financial aspect, but the South Asian nation’s contribution as a whole is noteworthy for the past few decades.
“There is no doubt India produces a lot of revenue for cricket. Without India, the face of world cricket would be very different, therefore cricket needs India,” Hadlee was quoted as saying to Cricbuzz.
Talking about India's contribution to Test cricket, Hadlee pointed out the team’s fightback in Australia this summer. “India has also made an outstanding contribution to Test cricket - like in all formats,” he said.
“Their Test performances in Australia were outstanding despite that 36 all-out blip. They bounced back superbly, and Test cricket came alive again,” added arguably the best Test all-rounder with 431 wickets and 3124 runs to his kitty.
The 69-year-old also appreciated the depth in the Indian set up saying, “So many youngsters came into the team and performed. It showed the great depth of talented players India have in all formats.”
The Christchurch born, on being asked about Indian skipper Kohli’s aggressive approach, said that all sports at the highest level are about competing. But then Hadlee went on to suggest that there is a fine line between gamesmanship and being boorish.
“There will always be a fine line as to whether gamesmanship from a player or a team goes too far. I quite like seeing any player expressing himself towards the opposition by having a real presence - it is a form of intimidation that can be unsettling,” he said. “I see Virat as being a very passionate and competitive cricketer with a strong desire for himself and the team to succeed,” added the legend with a batting average of 27.16 and bowling average of 22.29 in Test cricket.