Michael Clarke heaps praise on BCCI and CA for quickly resolving DRS row

The truce on the DRS row was reached last Thursday with the BCCI withdrawing the official complaint with the International Cricket Council against Australia skipper Steve Smith for attempting to seek advice from the dressing room on a review during the second Test in Bengaluru.

Harbhajan was charged with racial abuse and initially handed a three-match ban which was later reduced, although the respective boards continued to be locked in the aftermath of India’s 122-run defeat in that match.

The launch of Clarke's autobiography 'My Story' took place at Boria Majumdar's sports museum 'Fanattic'. Sharing his thoughts on the ongoing series, Clarke said, “It's fantastic to watch the series as a commentator, as a lover of the game. It will be no different in Ranchi and Dharamsala. We wanted to be competitive. The decision was the right one for the game of cricket."

Smith left India fuming when he looked towards the dressing room for advice on whether to take a DRS review or not and Kohli made his displeasure known during the post-match conference, stopping short of calling Smith a cheat.

Clarke justified his actions by saying that it was out of pure love for his country. "I loved to represent my country so much. I really wanted to perform. I didn't want to go and was so disappointed. I've made plenty of mistakes in my career. But I always believe I played the game with right spirit, with utmost importance to represent my country, my franchise. I would never try and cheat. I don't think it's fair to look back on one, two three individual incidents in my career but I have played the sport with utmost dignity and held respect for my country.”

Clarke also heaped praise on Kohli by saying that he had a winning mentality which was also found in Australian captains. "As a captain of Australia, you take forward the legacy of every leader the country leaves. There's a standard to take on that job, no matter what team you captain. India is no different to Australia. They want their team to win. Virat knows that and he has his own style. We had one common role. They loved winning. That's exactly what Kohli is doing, he's that love, passion and desire. I feel like Kohli has the aggression. He takes risk to win a game at any cost. I think that's a wonderful quality to have."

"I still have his (Phil Hughes') mobile number in my phone. It's still hard to fathom that he's no longer there with us.”

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly was also present at the event and assured that the  ‘Monkeygate’ incident does not feature in the book. "I can guarantee you the Monkeygate will not have its true picture in the book. Because only a Sardarjji would know what another Sardar was saying. You may call it Monkeygate, Hanumangate or whatever gate. I was standing next to Harbhajan Singh when he was saying those words. I know exactly what he meant. Nevertheless, the incident was a bit more than just the word Monkeygate."

Finally, a lot has already been said about the pitches in the ongoing India-Australia Test series and Ganguly took the time to comment on the issue. "The tracks could have been a lot better in Bengaluru. But when you come to India, you expect such pitches. Australia have done remarkably well. You expect the ball to turn. The two Aussie spinners have put enormous amount of pressure on Indian batsmen..

"Whatever the curator in Ranchi says, it would invariably turn. The series is open and wicket will turn. Whatever the pitch, whoever plays well will win. Criticize the pitch, yes, but the crux is you have to handle spin."