Brad Hodge gives written apology to Virat Kohli, Indian cricket fans

New Delhi : Australian cricketer Brad Hodge had given a written apology to Virat Kohli and Indian cricket fans for his comments in regards to Indian skipper's shoulder injury and his likely ouster from the Indian Premier League that begins from April 11.

Brad Hodge in his apology mentions, "I take this opportunity to apologize to the people of India, cricket fans, the Indian national cricket team and particularly to Virat Kohli for my previous comments."

"They were light-hearted comments with the utmost respect to the Indian Premier League which I have throughly enjoyed through these years."

The 42-year old cricket concluded by saying, “Again, I am deeply apologetic to the country which has bought me so much joy, and its inspirational leader in Virat Kohli, to whom I mean no ill-intention & respect highly as a professional.”

Brad Hodge had faced a strong backlash over his comments against Indian skipper Virat Kohli. He had raised questions over Kohli’s priorities and had said that you (Kohli) had be pretty dirty if you don’t try to win a valuable series against the men from down under and prepare yourself for the IPL.