Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has offered a lighthearted suggestion to reignite Virat Kohli’s batting prowess ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Acknowledging Kohli’s recent struggles with the bat, Akhtar humorously proposed that a match against Pakistan could serve as the perfect catalyst for Kohli’s resurgence.
A Cheeky Proposition
In a conversation with India Today, Akhtar remarked, “If you want to wake up Virat Kohli, just tell him you have a match against Pakistan. Look at that innings he played in Melbourne.” He was referring to Kohli’s remarkable performance during the 2022 T20 World Cup, where Kohli’s 82* off 53 balls was instrumental in India’s victory over Pakistan.
Kohli’s Recent Form
Over the past year, Kohli has faced challenges with his batting consistency. In the last 10 Test matches since September 2024, he has accumulated just 382 runs at an average of 22.47, marking his lowest in a calendar year since his debut. This dip in form has raised concerns among fans and experts alike, especially with the Champions Trophy on the horizon.
Akhtar’s Optimism for Pakistan
While playfully nudging Kohli, Akhtar also expressed hope for Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam, to regain his form in the upcoming Champions Trophy. He mentioned, “Hopefully, Babar Azam will do that for Pakistan.” Additionally, Akhtar lamented the injury of Saim Ayub, who sustained an ankle injury during a Test match against South Africa, stating, “Unfortunately, Saim Ayub is injured. I was looking forward to his partnership with Fakhar Zaman.”
Conclusion
Shoaib Akhtar’s playful banter underscores the intense rivalry and camaraderie that exists between India and Pakistan in the cricketing world. His cheeky suggestion to Kohli serves as a reminder of the high stakes and the passion that define matches between these two nations. As the Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Kohli to see if he can channel the energy of past encounters to return to his prolific best.