Cricket

Virat Kohli's recent struggles in Test cricket have raised concerns among fans and experts alike. Legendary Australian spinner Brad Hogg believes that Kohli's inability to control his emotions while batting is a major factor behind his poor form.Hogg's comments come after Kohli's dismal performance in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand. In five Tests so far in 2024, Kohli has scored only 245 runs at an average of 27.22, with just one fifty and a top score of 70.However, Hogg pointed out that Kohli has shown greater consistency in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (2023-25), amassing 556 runs in eight Tests at an average of 42.76. This includes a century and three fifties across 14 innings, with a best score of 121.Hogg believes that Kohli's struggles in the New Zealand series stem from his tendency to overanalyze his performance. "He was more aggressive, the way he strolled out there, the way that he was trying to attack the bowling. He just looked like he was overanalyzing," Hogg said.Hogg also criticized Kohli's shot selection, particularly in the second Test against New Zealand. "He looked as if he wasn't in control of his emotions and it showed in the shot that he played when he got out," Hogg said.The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be played under lights at the Adelaide Oval from December 6-10. Hogg believes that Kohli needs to switch on from ball one and focus on controlling his emotions if he wants to succeed in Australia."Virat Kohli has to switch on from ball one," Hogg said. "He has to be a little bit tighter. He has to be in control of his emotions."

Brad Hogg, a former Australian cricketer, has criticized the Australian team's lack of preparation for their match against India in the T20 World Cup Super Eights. Hogg specifically pointed out the ineffectiveness of Mitchell Starc, the pace bowler, who struggled to contain Rohit Sharma's onslaught.Rohit Sharma unleashed a blistering 41-ball 92, which included an over where he plundered 29 runs off Starc's bowling. This explosive innings propelled India to an imposing total of 205 runs. India's formidable score proved to be too much for Australia, as they fell short by 24 runs in their chase.Hogg believes that Australia's lack of preparation was evident in their poor fielding display. He described their efforts on the field as "terrible," expressing his disappointment with their subpar display.In addition to Rohit's explosive batting performance, Hogg also pointed out that the subpar fielding display by the Australian team played a role in their loss against India.Hogg also slammed the Australian team's fielding performance in their match against Afghanistan during the Super 8s stage. He described their efforts on the field as "terrible," expressing his disappointment with their subpar display.In a stunning turn of events, Afghanistan managed to secure a 21-run victory over Australia, defying expectations. The Afghan team then proceeded to defeat a resilient Bangladesh side, securing their spot in the semifinals. This remarkable achievement sent the people of Afghanistan, a nation afflicted by conflict, into a state of euphoria and celebration.Hogg believes that South Africa, often labeled as chokers, are finding their rhythm at the crucial stages of the T20 World Cup. He praised Aiden Markram's team, calling them "amazing," and suggested they have the potential to overcome their historical struggle of never securing an ICC trophy.Given their history of strong performances, Hogg is confident that South Africa has what it takes to overcome the challenge posed by Afghanistan and advance to the championship match.

Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's exceptional performance in the recent home series against England has raised expectations for his potential in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. However, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg believes Jaiswal will need to adapt his game to the unique challenges of Australian pitches.Hogg emphasized the need for Jaiswal to develop a new range of shots to counter the pace and bounce of Australian surfaces. He suggested that Jaiswal should utilize the pace of the ball to his advantage by playing hook and pull shots instead of relying solely on power."Jaiswal played exceptionally well. Now how he is going to play when he comes here (Australia), he is going to have to change his game. Maybe look to use the pace while playing hook and pull shots instead of hitting hard," Hogg said on his YouTube channel.Hogg also praised another young Indian batter, Sarfaraz Khan, who made his international debut in the England series. Hogg noted that Khan's impressive shot-making against fast bowlers indicates that he is working on improving his game against pace."Sarfaraz Khan, I was worried about his game against fast bowling. But some of the pull shots he has played against sheer pace, I can say that he has been working on his game. I think he is just about ready to take on Australia's pace attack in Australia with some of the pull shots he has played," Hogg said.Jaiswal and Khan will be key players to watch in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as India aims to retain the trophy on Australian soil. Their ability to adapt to the unique conditions and execute their shots effectively will be crucial to India's success.

Hardik Pandya's departure from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians has sparked discussions about its impact on both teams. Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg believes that Gujarat Titans may be better off without Pandya, citing their strong bowling depth and Pandya's limited role in that department.Hogg suggests that Pandya's absence in the top order could be beneficial for Gujarat, as it allows them to explore other options. He also believes that Mumbai Indians will benefit from Pandya's presence as an Indian all-rounder in the lower middle order.Pandya's return to Mumbai marks a significant shift for the franchise, which has been led by Rohit Sharma since 2013. Sharma, who recently captained India to the ODI World Cup final, has led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles.Mumbai Indians have been the most successful IPL franchise alongside Chennai Super Kings, with both teams winning five titles each. Under Sharma's leadership, Mumbai Indians won the IPL in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.Despite their success under Sharma, Mumbai Indians struggled in IPL 2023, failing to make the playoffs. Pandya's arrival is expected to bolster the team's all-round capabilities and provide a much-needed boost to their batting lineup.While Gujarat Titans may miss Pandya's all-round contributions, they have a strong core of players and a proven track record of success. The team reached the finals in both of their first two seasons, winning the title in 2022.With a talented squad and a clear strategy, Gujarat Titans are well-positioned to continue their success in the upcoming IPL season, even without Hardik Pandya.

Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has urged India to retain Dhruv Jurel as their specialist wicket-keeper in Test cricket, even after Rishabh Pant recovers from his injuries. Pant has been sidelined since late 2022 due to a car accident, but is expected to return to action in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL).Hogg believes that Pant should prove his fitness and form in domestic cricket before being considered for the national team. "I think they will keep with Jurel and not go back to Pant quickly," Hogg said on his YouTube channel. "I think they will make him go and play some first-class cricket in the longest format so that they make sure his body can withstand it and make sure, from a batting perspective, he still has the ability that he had before the accident."Hogg emphasized the importance of caution in Pant's return to Test cricket. "I really hope that Pant gets back to playing Test cricket, but I feel it is a huge risk if they rush him back," he added.Meanwhile, in the ongoing fifth Test between India and England in Dharamsala, Kuldeep Yadav starred with a five-wicket haul to dismiss England for 218. Yadav's performance, along with Ravichandran Ashwin's four wickets in his 100th Test, gave India a strong start on the opening day.