Calcutta: From the zenith to the slump — Australian wicket-keeper Brad Haddin has witnessed it all. He came to the side after Adam Gilchrist retired when they were still the No. 1 side. Much has changed since then.

Teams like India and South Africa have dislodged them from the top slot (in Test cricket), they have lost the Ashes twice and Ricky Ponting has given way to Michael Clarke as captain. But despite the transition, Haddin thinks that Australia’s future is safe and sound and there is every chance that they will do good in the coming years.

The Aussie ’keeper is pretty impressed with Clarke’s captaincy in the ODI series against Bangladesh after the World Cup.

“For sure Michael has done a very good job so far (as captain). But, at the same time, he’s lucky to have someone like Ricky in the team whom he can follow. I believe Ricky was tremendous as a leader. Hopefully, Michael too will grow in the near future. He has his own way of doing things though,” he said.

It is Haddin’s first season in the Indian Premier League. And though he hasn’t got a chance to take the field yet, he is enjoying every bit of the tournament.

“I am having an exciting time here. It’s great to see your teammates from sidelines,” he said.

Asked about his role in Kolkata Knight Riders, at present, Haddin said: “The tournament requires bigger squads. So, you might have to spend time warming the benches since everyone cannot get a chance at the same time. ”