IND vs AUS: Brad Hogg Backs Virat Kohli to Regain Prime Form

Veteran player Brad Hogg believes that former Indian captain Virat Kohli and veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara’s recent form in Test cricket is under the scanner, as there are many other players waiting for their chances as well.

He, however, added that both Kohli and Pujara need to be given some more time. Brad Hogg also said that Kohli will bounce back to form once he gets a short break after the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Speaking on his YouTube channel, he remarked: “I think Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara are on watch at the moment with the talent that’s going around in Indian cricket right now. But when you look at those two experienced players, the amount of travel they’ve had and they’ve just come out of the COVID bubbles. For me, when they get a decent break after the IPL, you’ll see the best of Virat Kohli again.”

However, Virat Kohli has struggled to score in the ongoing four-match Test series against Australia. While he has got decent starts, he failed to convert them into big scores as well. He has aggregated 111 runs across five innings at an average of 22.20 as well. Cheteshwar Pujara, on the other hand, impressed with his batting exploits in the second innings of the third Test in Indore, scoring 59 runs off 142 balls as well.

“Sarfaraz Khan is such a talent,” – Brad Hogg

Meanwhile, Brad Hogg further added that right-handed batter Sarfaraz Khan is likely to be a part of India’s Test team in the near future. He feels that the youngster is very much capable of playing at the top level. Hogg again said that Sarfaraz should not replace Suryakumar Yadav straightaway, as the latter also deserves more opportunities in the longer format. He also said that the Mumbai batter might be added if Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara don’t find form soon as well.

“Sarfaraz Khan is such a talent,” Brad Hogg added. “But he’s got to prove himself a little more. Yes, he has been making runs in first-class cricket. But under pressure in the IPL, he sort of dropped on and off there. He has the ability to play at the highest level.”I feel Suryakumar Yadav should get more opportunities before Sarfaraz Khan comes in. If Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara don’t perform over the next couple of months, he won’t be a bad one to bring in.”