Former Australian bowler Brad Hogg suggested that Virat Kohli‘s recent decline in performance might be attributed to off-field issues rather than on-field matters, adding that BCCI‘s revised guidelines regarding family accompanying players during international tours could potentially add more pressure.
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During the recently-concluded Border Gavaskar Trophy, Virat’s performance was subpar, managing only 190 runs across 10 innings. His underwhelming display contributed to the scrutiny he faced following India’s 1-3 series defeat against Australia.
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“He (Kohli) has got a family now. He has other commitments off the field that he did not have when he was really dominating all three formats around the globe. So it is not just about the cricket, it is what’s happening off the field as well,” said Hogg on his YouTube channel.
“I think it is more the drama off-field than on-field for Virat. I just think he has just got too much on his plate that has probably caused him to not perform as well at this moment.”
The year 2024 proved challenging for Virat, who accumulated just 655 runs in international cricket from 23 matches and 32 innings. His batting average stood at 21.83, with one century and two half-centuries, his highest score being 100 not out.
In response to the team’s overall disappointing performance in Australia, BCCI implemented new regulations covering various aspects including baggage allowance, family travelling with players during tours and participation in domestic cricket.
Commenting on that, Hogg said, “With the new rules that the BCCI has brought in, in regards to families, that’s gonna put even more stress on Virat…because you gotta have that balance. I think players should be able to have their families on tour as much as possible, especially with the amount of cricket and the amount of travel that India has at the present moment.”
Since early 2020, Kohli’s performance in Tests has shown a significant downturn. In 39 Test matches from 2020 onwards, he has score 2,028 runs at an average of 30.72, including three centuries and nine fifties, with his highest score being 186.
