IPL 2017: Brad Haddin believes Virat Kohli's shoulder injury could be a blessing in disguise

What’s the story?

Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin believes that Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli could really use the time off he will receive as a result of his shoulder injury ahead of IPL 2017 to take stock of his leadership and batting skills.

In his column for EspnCricinfo, Brad Haddin wrote: “By all accounts Virat Kohli is going to miss the early games of the IPL with his shoulder problem. Based on the sour note with which he ended a tremendous Test series victory for India over a fighting Australia, that may well be a good thing. At the end of this long and successful home season, I get the distinct impression that Kohli needs some time to think about how he goes about things as a batsman and a captain.

“Time away from playing might help Kohli to reach a fairer viewpoint on what has transpired over the past six weeks: a terrific battle in which the Australians genuinely challenged India, and gave Kohli the toughest time of his international career to date.”

Extra Cover: IPL 2017: BCCI confirm Virat Kohli will miss start of IPL 10

The Context

Virat Kohli missed the fourth India-Australia Test with a shoulder injury and that will keep him out of the first two weeks of IPL 2017. AB de Villiers, who himself has a slight back problem, is set to lead in Kohli’s absence.

The Details

Throughout the India-Australia series, there were plenty of heated moments and the person at the center of it all seemed to be Virat Kohli. First, it was the Steve Smith DRS controversy where the Indian skipper, fell just short of calling his opposite number a cheat.

Then it was his shoulder injury in Ranchi, which was mocked by Glenn Maxwell and produced contrasting reports as far as his fitness was concerned. Then his send-off following David Warner’s wicket and the general aggressive celebrations that followed most crucial wickets didn't go down too well with the visitors or former Australian players.

Extra Cover: Former Australian opener Ed Cowan 'felt like stabbing Kohli' with a stump

What’s next?

Kohli will join with RCB on April 2 and his fitness will be assessed in two weeks. Even if he is unlikely to play the opening stages of the IPL, Kohli will hope to be fit for the end of the tournament and Champions Trophy that follows it in June.

Author’s Take

While there were plenty of heated arguments during the India-Australia series, the Indian skipper never crossed the line, at least according to the ICC. While Australians have always given back as good as they got, they aren’t used to being on the receiving end far too often. And that has meant several former Aussies have had a say on Kohli’s actions and Haddin is no different in that regard.