Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg believes it is crucial for Virat Kohli to improve his Test form. Virat Kohli failed to deliver for India in the opening Test match against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
India registered a huge win of 280 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series but Kohli and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma could not deliver with the bat. Kohli was caught behind after scoring only six runs in the first innings whereas he was plumbed in front by Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the second essay after scoring 17 runs.
However, Kohli was a bit unlucky in the second innings as he got an edge before the ball hit his pads but he decided not to go for the review.
Hogg said Kohli should continue playing in the upcoming matches to regain his lost form.
Brad Hogg said on his YouTube Channel, “No, I think Virat Kohli should play out these next 10 Test matches over the next 15 weeks. See how he goes there. But he does have to improve. He has to lift his game. He’s got to get that consistency again. If India are going to have a chance at winning the World Test Championship, here at number four is crucial.”
“Number four is a vital position. It’s a position where you can control the game, you can bat through the latter part of the innings, and with the explosive batting that they’ve got in that middle order, they definitely need Virat Kohli to really step up and play his role with the bat, batting through the innings right to the end.”
The former left-arm spinner added India will be a difficult team to beat if Virat Kohli gets back to his absolute best.
“If he can do that, then India will be very hard to beat in this World Test Championship. But he’s got to start performing, otherwise, selectors are going to have to start thinking about whether they go for youth moving forward or they give you more opportunities.”
Hogg reckons Kohli has lost his impetus but backed the veteran batter to turn the tables in the upcoming matches.
“I don’t think Virat is going to get there now. I just don’t think Virat is going to get there. I think he’s lost his momentum and the momentum that he’s lost has been for a number of years now. He’s got to turn around in the next 10 Test matches, or he’s going to drop off.”
The second Test match between India and Bangladesh will be played at Green Park, Kanpur from September 27.
