Missing out on IPL a blessing in disguise: Labuschagne

Australia batsman Marnus Labuschagne admits that being overlooked for the Indian Premier League (IPL) has turned out to be a blessing in disguise considering the rising coronavirus cases in India. "It certainly looks like it (missing out on the IPL) was a blessing in disguise," Labuschagne was quoted as saying by 'PA Media.'

Labuschagne went in with a base price of INR 1 crore in the IPL 2021 auction but found no buyers.

"I would love to have played in the IPL, it's a great tournament. But there are always two sides to the coin. If I was in the IPL, I would have been away and to win a Shield is something that doesn't come around often."

"Secondly, you look at the conditions in India now and it's not looking great," Labuschagne, who has linked up with county cricket club Glamorgan, added.

India is clocking over three and a half Covid-19 cases everyday and Labuschagne revelaed that many Australian players are not feeling safe inside the bio-bubble. You obviously feel for them. But I haven't spoken to too many guys that are feeling unsafe.

"It's more about getting back into Australia and what does that look like. I just hope that they stay safe and get back to Australia safely whenever they do," he added. 

The fear of being locked out of their own nation drove the likes of bowlers Andrew Tye, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa to take an early flight back to Australia. However, Australian umpire Paul Reiffel's attempts at leaving hit a dead-end owing to his country's suspension of air travel with India.

(With inputs from PTI)