Hodge tenders apology for comments on Kohli's injury

Brad Hodge, the former Australian batsman, apologised to Virat Kohli for suggesting that he had pulled out of the crucial fourth Test match against Australia in Dharamsala, keeping in mind the rigours of the 10th edition of Indian Premier League, commencing on Wednesday (April 5).

Hodge, however, received criticism for suggesting that Kohli opted out of the Dharamsala Test to get himself ready for the IPL. The Gujarat Lions' coach accepted that he may have erred in his judgement with regard to Kohli's injury and posted an apology to the Indian captain and passionate cricket fans on his Twitter account.

"As a professional sportsperson who has represented his country, I certainly understand what it means to step out on a cricket field donning your nation's colours. It is the highest honour a sportsperson can ask for," Hodge wrote on Thursday (March 30).

"Keeping that in mind, I take this opportunity to apologise to the people of India, cricket fans, the Indian national cricket team and particularly Kohli for my previous comments. My intention was never to harm, criticise or be derogatory towards anyone. They were intended to be lighthearted comments with the utmost respect to the IPL which I have thoroughly enjoyed through the years.

"The public and fans have every right to be upset and the backlash I have received has certainly driven the point home. Again, I am deeply apologetic to the country which has bought (sic) me so much joy, and its inspirational leader in Kohli, to whom I mean no ill-intention and respect highly as professional," he said.

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