R Ashwin is the best off-spinner in the world: Brad Hogg

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Chinaman Brad Hogg at 45 not just defies age and fitness myths but a lot more to be a part of the IPL and feature in as one of the fittest guys in the team. Though he hasn’t had a real contribution to make for his side this season Hogg has featured whenever the pitch is expected to assist the slower bowlers. Ahead of KKR’s game against Rising Pune Supergiants at their home ground in Kolkata Hogg said he considers Ravichandran Ashwin of India as the best off-spinner in world cricket today.

“Ashwin is probably the best off-spinner in world cricket today. I am a fan of Ashwin and love the way he goes about his business. I can’t really comment on his bowling without having a chat with him,” said Hogg.

Ashwin has been out of sorts in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and hasn’t even completed his quota of 4 overs in some of the matches. As far as Brad Hogg is considered, it’s just a matter of time that Ashwin will get back to be the sort of bowler we have been used to seeing him. “Each player goes through the phases which challenge you. As a cricketer, you do want to be in situations that test you and when you begin to come out of it, you begin to relish the sport even further.”

When queried about whether Ashwin should take some time away from the game to sort his game and get back to form, Hogg said: “Absolutely not! Ashwin is a class act. I am sure he will come back quickly to be the sort of bowler we have been used to seeing him. He hasn’t had the kind of tournament he would’ve liked, but he is someone who would be working double hard to dominate the scene, and I have no doubt about that.”

He also had some words about the rising spinner from Australia – Adam Zampa. He believes that Zampa has great courage to fight it out even when things aren’t going well for him. “I spent about 1-2 weeks with Adam back home. I really like Adam’s courage and determination to stay in the contest all the time. If things aren’t going well for him, he is one of the better spinners who will fight it out. Adam’s will to fight it out in the middle is an aspect I would like to incorporate in my game.”

Brad Hogg also feels he quit international cricket at the wrong time and he feels he still had 2-3 years of international cricket left in him. “I do regret leaving the game at that point of time. I was part of the Australian side when I decided to call it quits. Life is a mystery and you make those decisions and you live with those. At that time, I was trying to save my marriage, and decided to retire,” he concludes.