Former Australia cricketer Brad Hogg has come down hard at the Indian cricketers Varun Chakravarthy and Rahul Tewatia after they failed to pass the fitness test ahead of the high-profile ongoing five-match T20I series against England at home.
The Mystery spinner Chakravarthy and all-rounder Tewatia earned call-ups to India’s T20I squad for the home series against England on the back of their impressive performances in the IPL 2020, but both of them reportedly failed one of the fitness tests at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Well, the Indian cricket team has set high levels of fitness standards for their players over the years and Hogg said the cricketers must know what to expect while expressing his unhappiness with Tewatia and Varun as they could not manage the fitness levels asked in the international arena these days.
Slamming Rahul and Varun, the former Australia spinner said these two Indian youngsters don't have the dedication to play international cricket and this could be their last opportunity while pointing out the youngsters cannot afford to let such chances slip.
Hogg said on his YouTube channel: “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.”
He further explained, “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 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.”
Chakravarthy was also named in India’s T20 squad for the Australia tour but he couldn't travel due to a shoulder injury and this time he again missed the chance to sport national jersey due to poor fitness.
The Aussie believes that home T20Is could be a great opportunity for Rahul and Varun to take baby steps towards the international arena and he also fears that the recent India call-up for England series could have been the last opportunity for the two youngsters.
Hogg signed off by saying, “These two particular players haven't shown up in the first hour of work in prime condition and this could be their last opportunity.”
(With India Today Inputs)
