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Whatever happened wasn't expected: Jwala Gutta
Upset over her base price at the Indian Badminton League auction being slashed at the last minute despite being listed in the icon players' category, doubles ace Jwala Gutta says she will let her racquet do the talking in the upcoming tournament.
"The minimum thing we expected was to be informed. Nevertheless, I am very happy to be part of the IBL.
"I am very much looking forward to it. Badminton court is my territory and that's where I will do most of my talking. I will let my racquet speak for myself," said Jwala on Wednesday.
'I have already been labelled a rebel'
Controversy erupted after Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa, another doubles specialist, lashed out at the IBL on their "unfair" decision.
"If I speak up people either say she is complaining or she is a rebel. I have already been labelled rebel. But whatever happened wasn't expected," Gutta said.
Commonwealth Games women's doubles champions Jwala and Ponnappa were two of the six icon players, who went under the hammer on Monday but just hours ahead of the player's auction, the IBL decided to reduce the price from US $50,000 (Rs 29,86,264) to US $25,000 (Rs 14,93,125) after consultation with the six franchises.
In the auction, Jwala went to Krrish Delhi Smashers at US $31,000 (Rs 18,51,520), while Pune Pistons bagged Ashwini for the base price of US $25,000.
'I don't get involved in politics, but I am always dragged into it'
Jwala said it was her performances at the international level that popularised the doubles format in the country.
"I have done a lot for the country. I have won medals and given lots of performances. In doubles there was nobody before me. I have changed how people look at doubles. People are expecting a lot from doubles after my performances," Gutta said.
"It is painful. We are also working hard. I don't get involved in politics, but I am always dragged into it. I have become habituated to it now."
"When you sign a contract stating that you are an icon player, who wouldn't be sad or feel cheated or let down. I have promoted IBL like no other player. I have been to many cities to promote it. I thought icon players will be treated equally," Jwala said.
'IBL franchises know that I am a doubles player'
Asked if removing the women's doubles event from the league could be the reason behind her fetching a low sum, Jwala replied: "IBL franchises know that I am a doubles player. If they are expecting singles from me then I don't know what to say. I am a doubles specialists in the country. My services will only be for doubles."
"In mixed doubles I have been in the top-six in the world. So nobody can question me about that also.
"If they (organisers) are thinking that women's doubles are cut that's why Jwala's base price has been reduced, that's a very stupid thing, because singles players are also going to play in singles only," she reasoned.
'I don't want to get into blame game'
Jwala said she will give 100 per cent for her franchise.
"I don't want to get into a blame game. I am looking forward to play for Delhi.
"I am ready to give my 100 per cent. I am not a quitter. I love the game. I am enjoying the game. I am sure IBL will be colourful and fans will see exciting and close battles," she added.