Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg discusses how Virat Kohli’s recent performance struggles may be linked to his family and off-field commitments. Hogg suggests the BCCI’s new restrictions on family time during tours could add extra pressure on Kohli.
New Delhi: Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg suggested that Virat Kohli’s recent slump in form might be more influenced by “off-field drama” than on-field factors. He pointed out that the BCCI’s new policy regarding families during international tours could add extra stress to the veteran batter. Kohli, who managed only 190 runs in 10 innings during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was one of the players under scrutiny after India’s 1-3 series loss to Australia. By the end of last year, Kohli had accumulated just 655 international runs in 23 matches and 32 innings, with an average of 21.83, including one century and two fifties, his highest score being an unbeaten 100.
Following the team’s collective underperformance, the BCCI introduced a new policy addressing various aspects of player management, including luggage, family involvement during tours, and participation in domestic cricket. According to the new policy, players are now allowed only 14 days with their families during away tours, marking a significant change in how family time is structured during international commitments.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Brad Hogg, a member of Australia’s 2003 and 2007 Cricket World Cup squads, stated that Virat Kohli currently has “too much on his plate,” which he believes is impacting his performance. Hogg suggested that the added pressures off the field may be affecting Kohli’s ability to play at his best.
Hogg went on to explain, “He has got a family now. He has other commitments off the field that he didn’t have when he was really dominating all three formats around the globe. So, it’s not just about cricket; it’s also about what’s happening off the field as well.”
He further added, “I think it is more the drama off-field than on-field for Virat. I just think he has got too much on his plate, and that has probably caused him to not perform as well at this moment.”
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Virat Kohli’s recent struggles with form, including a modest 190 runs in 10 innings during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, have attracted scrutiny, especially after India’s 1-3 series loss to Australia. His performance has sparked widespread conversation, with critics pointing to both on-field and off-field factors affecting his game.
Brad Hogg’s Take on Kohli’s Performance
Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg suggested that Kohli’s recent poor form could be linked more to “off-field drama” than any on-field issues. He also mentioned that the new policy by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding family involvement during international tours might add further stress to the veteran batter’s personal and professional life. Virat, who ended last year with just 655 international runs in 23 matches and 32 innings, averaging 21.83, has been facing a decline in form, with his best score being an unbeaten 100.
BCCI’s New Family Policy and Its Impact
Following the team’s collective failure in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, BCCI introduced a new policy impacting various aspects of players’ tours, including luggage, family involvement, and participation in domestic cricket. Under the new guidelines, players are allowed only 14 days with their families during away tours, a decision that could add more stress, particularly for someone like Virat Kohli.
Hogg on Kohli’s Current Situation
Hogg, who was part of Australia’s 2003 and 2007 Cricket World Cup squads, elaborated on Kohli’s struggles by pointing out that the cricketer “has too much on his plate.” He further noted that Kohli now has a family and additional commitments that he didn’t have when he was dominating all three formats globally. “It’s not just about cricket; it’s what’s happening off the field as well,” Hogg remarked. He suggested that the pressures of balancing family life, with the added restrictions on family visits during tours, could be further taxing Kohli.
Impact of Family Restrictions on Kohli
Hogg also spoke about the strain that BCCI’s new family policy could put on Kohli and his family. “With the new rules that the BCCI have brought in regarding families, that’s even going to put more stress on Virat, for his wife and family as well, because you have to have that balance,” he said. Hogg emphasized that players, especially with the rigorous schedule and travel demands, should be allowed to have their families around as much as possible.
India’s Struggles and Kohli’s Test Decline
Hogg, however, dismissed the notion that the presence of families contributed to India’s struggles during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He attributed the issues to the culture within the team, influenced by new head coach Gautam Gambhir and the support staff, rather than external factors like family presence.
Kohli has been enduring a significant decline in his Test performance since the beginning of 2020. In 39 Test matches since then, he has managed just 2,028 runs at an average of 30.72, with only three centuries and nine fifties to his name. His best score during this period was 186. Kohli’s performance in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle also reflected this dip, where he scored 751 runs in 14 matches and 25 innings at an average of 32.65, including two centuries and three fifties, with a best score of 121.
A Disappointing Year for Kohli
In 2024, Kohli’s struggles continued, as he only managed 417 runs in 10 Tests, averaging 24.52, with just one century and fifty, marking a disappointing year for the star batter. The decline in his Test performances, combined with off-field pressures, has led to significant scrutiny of his career, with many wondering if this is just a temporary phase or a sign of a longer-term slump.
