Haddin said Arthur's successor Darren Lehmann has turned Australia's dressing room and demeanour around ahead of Thursday's first Ashes Test against England at the Gabba.
As England shoot for a fourth straight Ashes triumph, Haddin said Arthur, the South African who was Lehmann's predecessor, has a lot to answer for.
"(Mickey) was very, very insecure and that came across in a lot of our selections and our plays, I think, to be perfectly honest," Haddin told reporters.
"I don't think he understood and was secure enough in himself to get us to where we needed to go.
"Under Darren we've got a clear message of where we want to go and how we're going to get there. He's able to help guys on the way to get to that point."
In a shambolic Test tour of India earlier this year that Australia lost 4-0, Shane Watson, James Pattinson, Mitchell Johnson and Usman Khawaja were all disciplined by Arthur after failing to submit feedback requested by team management.
Haddin went to India as a replacement for injured wicketkeeper Matt Wade and described the mood within the Australia team as uncomfortable and paranoid.
"That wasn't the Australian cricket team that I knew when I flew into Mohali," he said.
"That was a unique situation which in all seriousness I can't really explain. It was uncomfortable, walking into it.
"Guys jumping at shadows and the insecurity around everything that was being done.
"It's just refreshing to get back here now and enjoy the game for what it is -- a great game that's been great for all of us."
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
