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.”
