Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman has hit back at Michael Clarke over his controversial statement regarding Australian players going ‘soft’, saying that ‘being nice’ doesn’t guarantee anyone an IPL deal.

Laxman, who has served as the Sunrisers’ mentor since IPL 2013, and is part of the franchise’s auction planning process, joined Australian Test captain Tim Paine in dismissing Clarke’s views, days after the former Australia skipper had called out the current team for ‘sucking up’ to Virat Kohli and team during their 2018/19 visit.

Clarke had previously said: "I feel that Australian cricket, and probably every other team over a little period, went the opposite and actually sucked up to India."https://t.co/JlzZJXE9o0

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) April 9, 2020

“As a mentor, I’m on the auction table and we select players, those international players that have played exceptionally well for their country and can add value to the franchise,” Laxman said on Star Sports‘ Cricket Connected show. “Friendship with any Indian player doesn’t ensure entry into the IPL.

“Just being nice to someone doesn’t get you a place in IPL. Any franchise will look at the player’s calibre and value addition to the team, which gives them desired results by winning matches/tournaments.

“These are the kind of players who get IPL contracts. So, just being nice to someone will not earn you a spot in the IPL.”