Brad Hodge plays an important role for Kolkata Knight Riders as opening batsman and has proved how valuable he is to his IPL team
Brad Hodge plays an important role for Kolkata Knight Riders as opening batsman and has proved how valuable he is to his Indian Premier League team when he got them off to a smooth start against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Kolkata on Sunday. Hodge and Manoj Tiwary put on 101 for the first wicket after Bangalore were restricted to 135 for seven. The Victorian, who last played for Australia in 2008, slammed seven fours in his 50 before Kolkata beat Bangalore by seven wickets for their second win in
the tournament.
Excerpts from an interview:
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On Ind-Aus tensions caused by assaults of Indians Down Under:
The people from both countries love each other; ditto the cricketers. The acts of hooliganism in Melbourne were very bad, very wrong and unwanted. I definitely condemn this and the culprits must be punished. Believe me, there are no bad relations between two countries, but a few stray incidents have taken place and my country's reputation has gone down. There is no room for racism and I want to see those hooligans punished.
On the IPL security concerns:
My mind was okay when I reached India. I knew the security would be fine, but like everyone, I am scared about terrorism.
On KKR emerging this year's IPL hot favourites:
It's a long league. Sourav Ganguly said we are playing as a unit and he was absolutely correct. Sourav has our full support and coach Dav Whatmore has done an exceptional job. We have some very good young players and Sourav's doing brilliantly as captain.
On the restriction of four foreigners in the playing XI:
The number of overseas players in the XI should increase and this will make the IPL more interesting.
Where I am concerned, if Sourav and Dav believe I am good to fit into the first XI then I am going to play.
On how the 2010 KKR team is different:
We are playing as a team. Sourav and Dav are very specific about their gameplans. Sourav says before every game, 'guys, this is our team and we have to perform.'
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