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Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg has issued a timely caution to Virat Kohli amidst criticism over his underwhelming performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Despite finishing as the highest run-scorer in IPL 2024, Kohli’s move to open for the first time in his T20 World Cup career has not yielded the expected results.

In three matches, Kohli has managed only 5 runs. In the first match against Ireland, chasing 97, he scored just 1 run off 5 balls. Against Pakistan, batting first, he was dismissed for 4 runs. His struggles continued against the USA where he was out for a golden duck. Despite Kohli’s illustrious career, these consecutive failures in a marquee tournament have invited significant criticism.

As Virat Kohli aims to rediscover his form in the Super 8s, Brad Hogg emphasized that the Indian batting maestro must elevate his performance in the Caribbean following his challenges in the United States. Hogg also cautioned Kohli to remain vigilant against left-arm pacers like Mitchell Starc. Kohli has historically faced difficulties against left-arm bowlers, a vulnerability that was highlighted recently by USA’s Saurabh Netravalkar.

“Yeah, I think he’s just in America. I think he’s relying on the other players to get him through there. But I think he’s really got to step up over in the Caribbean. And I think the likes of Mitchell Starc and other left-arm bowlers bowling to Virat Kohli, he’ll be looking for that ball to come in. The one, the straight one is the one, it worries me because he’s been playing away from his body a little bit of late,” Hogg told Star Sports.

Expanding on his thoughts, Hogg expressed confidence in Kohli’s prospects for success in the Super 8s. The ex-spinner affirmed his belief in Kohli and Rohit Sharma forming formidable partnerships in the Caribbean. Additionally, he advised Team India against making changes to their opening duo at this juncture.

“But I just think he’ll be a lot more focused on the super eights and I think we’re going to see the best of Virat Kohli. He’s gonna finish off this World Cup in style. And I think both Rohit and Virat Kohli are going to have some big partnerships down there in the Caribbean, and it’s very important that you do make the most of the power play, especially against fast bowling because it’s going to slow up in those middle overs.

“Spin is really going to take control. So, if you really take the pressure off that middle order by really executing well at the power play, I think you’ll give yourselves or that you’ll give your team the best chance of winning. And I think this combination, don’t break it up, especially going to the Super 8s. There’s too much experience there now,” he said.

India kicks off their Super 8s campaign on June 20 with a clash against Afghanistan in Barbados.