"What happened between Harbhajan and Sreesanth is what sometimes happens when the enthusiasm and energy gets misdirected, rather than being channelled in a positive direction," Wright told portal www.cricketnirvana.com in an interview.

"I'd rather let my players have that sense of passion, even if it meant it sometimes overflowed in controversy. It's hard to teach someone how to feel totally committed," said the New Zealander.

Harbhajan, captaining Mumbai Indians in the absence of an injured Sachin Tendulkar in their IPL clash at Mohali, slapped his India teammate Sreesanth, who plays for Kings XI Punjab in the Twenty20 league after his team lost the tie.

The feisty off spinner was later thrown out of the remainder of the tournament by the IPL authorities and fined 100 per cent of his match fees amounting to close to Rs three crore.

"Yes, Harbhajan and Sreesanth might need to be told a few things every now and again, but their intent is admirable. Neither will take a back-seat to anyone and both are fuelled by an innate sense of competitiveness", he said.