Comparing Virat Kohli to Sachin Tendulkar should not be done, as Brad Hogg suggests cricket has changed dramatically over the years, and the two should not be fairly compared. The gap between Test cricket and the modern-day T20 leagues has grown significantly, with decreased numbers of Test matches played due to the rise of franchise-based leagues.
Comparing Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar is a fruitless endeavour as the former captain has only played 106 Tests while Sachin racked up 200 Tests for India. Regardless, Hogg believes Virat Kohli can score heavily in the upcoming World Test Championship Final.
“Hopefully, we see the best of Kohli again,” he said. “I think that there was too much pressure on Kohli in the last 2-3 years. The COVID, captaincy, and more cricket being played.”
“Don’t compare him with Sachin Tendulkar, because he was able to play more Test matches, and did not have to play IPL for the most part of his career,” Hogg added. “I also think he is going to make a big one in the WTC Final as well.”
Virat Kohli has turned 34, and his remarkable physical condition indicates a lengthy playing career. Still, the strain of juggling Tests, ODIs, and T20s, along with franchise cricket, could cause difficulties for him in the future.
Disappointed to see him being dropped – Brad Hogg on KL Rahul
The topic of KL Rahul’s demotion as Test team vice-captain and the appointment of Shubman Gill to fill the spot in the middle of the Border-Gavaskar series generated a lot of attention. Rahul could not find his form in the first two matches, only scoring 38 runs before being let go. Hogg noted that Rahul had various roles within the Indian team in the past.
“I feel very sorry for KL Rahul because he has been put in different positions for the Indian team throughout the last 4-5 years,” he said. “At the start of the WTC, he kept India afloat with a couple of crucial hundreds.”
“Very disappointed to see him dropped, But we will have to see whether the team plays Gill over Rahul in the WTC Final, because Rahul has done well in England.”
Brad Hogg