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IPL-bound Hoggy isn’t the shy, or retiring, type

Retirement remains a foreign concept to Brad Hogg, who feels like he is getting better with age.

Hogg’s second coming continues to exceed the expectations of everyone, including the 44-year-old.

The left-arm spinner was picked up in last week’s Indian Premier League auction by Kolkata for $103,000.

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He was one of nine Australians to be sold, with fellow tweakers Ashton Agar, Nathan Lyon, Cameron Boyce and Adam Zampa all passed in.

Hogg will then gear up for Perth’s Champions League campaign in September, while a fifth Big Bash League campaign is still on the cards.

“I’d love to keep going,” Hogg sid.

“If I can still contribute to the team and perform, I want to keep going.

“Once my performances start to drop off, the body’s not holding up and the coach thinks that’s it then I’ll move on.”

None of that is currently an issue for the man who retired in 2008.

On form, Hogg should be in the mix for a third World Twenty20 campaign next year.

Hogg’s economy rate in the recent BBL season was 5.33, the best by any bowler who sent down more than four overs.

“I’m just grateful I’m still around. I’m still learning about the game and I seem to be improving as each day goes by,” Hogg said of his Twenty20 exploits.

“If you’re not learning, there’s no point doing it.”

Asked to consider a Sheffield Shield return earlier this month by WA coach Justin Langer, Hogg turned it down due to concerns his body may not make it through a first-class match.

However he is playing grade cricket in Perth and shaping up well for the IPL.

“You’ve got to change your fitness routine a little bit and listen to your body more as you get older,” Hogg said.

“Seeing the other blokes do something that you can’t do, that can be a little bit frustrating.

“But when you’re a little bit sore, you have to have a rest.”

During coverage of last month’s BBL final, Hogg revealed Kolkata were interested in signing him.

Those comments ensured last week’s auction was a tense affair.

“They were a little bit disappointed I opened my mouth, which is fair enough,” Hogg said.

“I got a little bit too excited.

“I was nervous. I was a bit surprised, but very glad they went through with it.”

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