Indian fans will love Symonds

MELBOURNE: Andrew Symonds was seen as a villain by Indian fans after his skirmish with Harbhajan Singh in the Sydney Test, but the all-rounder will witness a turnaround in the reaction of fans when he plays in Indian Premier League (IPL).

The burly all-rounder, who was subjected to monkey chants during the last one-day series in India, was surprised to find that the eight IPL franchise were fighting neck and neck in the auction to have him in their team.

Hyderabad franchise, which doled out a staggering $1.35 million for Symonds, feels that the most-hated Australian will be the most-loved one in India.

"He is an extremely good player. It (taunting) happens all over the world," P.K Iyer, the managing director of media group Deccan Chronicle, which owns the Hyderabad franchise, was quoted as saying by the Australian.

Symonds' price tag was the highest for Australia surpassing Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden and Shane Warne.

"The Indian public is sporty. They love the game. If Symonds does well they will cheer him madly," T.A. Sekar, cricket Operations chief of GMR Holdings, owner of the Delhi franchise, said.

"Everyone knows Symonds can win a match single-handed and he is going to entertain them (the fans). They will love it," the former Test bowler added.

Indian supporters reacted angrily last month when Australia alleged the all-rounder was racially abused by serial offender Harbhajan Singh in the Sydney Test.