‘It shows that they lack dedication of what it takes to play international cricket’ - Brad Hogg slams Varun Chakravarthy and Rahul Tewatia

After a spectacular performance in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) respectively, Varun Chakravarthy and Rahul Tewatia earned their maiden call-ups to the Indian team in the shortest format of the game. Both Varun and Rahul were named in the Indian squad for the five-match T20I series against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

However, it is learned that both the players failed to pass the fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The Board of Control for India (BCCI) introduced the fitness test as a parameter of selection for the players to be included in the national squad.

Chakravarthy was removed from the squad and has been asked to work on his fitness level after he failed to pass the test the second time. However, Tewatia is present with the Indian squad in Ahemdabad, and the result of the second fitness test given by the spinner is unknown. 

One noteworthy point here is that Varun was also named in the Indian squad for the three-match T20I series against Australia in 2020, however, he had to be replaced at the last moment after he sustained a shoulder injury while playing in IPL 2020 in the United Arab Emirates. 

Brad Hogg lashes out at Varun Chakravarthy and Rahul Tewatia

Australia’s veteran leg-spinner Brad Hogg seemed unimpressed with Varun Chakravarthy and Rahul Tewatia and slammed the two Indian cricketers for not taking their selection into the Indian cricket team seriously. He also believed that both the players lack dedication and might have lost the golden opportunity they were getting to represent India on the international level.

“These two particular players (Varun Chakravarthy & Rahul Tewatia), because they haven’t shown up with the fitness standards of India, it shows that they don’t have the dedication of what it takes to play international cricket.

“This could be their last opportunity. So youngsters out there, no matter what you’re doing in life, make sure if you’re going for an opportunity to work, cricket, or any other sport you know what the standards are expected of you when you show up for that first hour of work.

“And these two particular players haven’t shown up in the first hour of work in prime condition and this could be their last opportunity,” Hogg said on his YouTube channel.