If you want Virat Kohli to wake up, tell him there’s a match against Pakistan: Shoaib Akhtar

Virat Kohli’s form is a big question mark going into the 2025 Champions Trophy in UAE and Pakistan. The former India skipper has been inconsistent as he has failed to score runs in the home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand before a forgettable Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Down Under.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy was a series where a lot was expected from Kohli, especially after his century in Perth in the first Test. of the five-match series. Kohli ended the 2024 season with an underwhelming average of 24.52, one of his poorest performances in red-ball cricket since his debut.

Before the red-ball season, Kohli’s form in the ODI series against Sri Lanka was disappointing as well, and quite unsurprisingly, there have been many experts who have advised how the right-hander could regain form. Meanwhile, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has given a cheeky remark on Kohli's form. mentioning that he should to be told that he is playing against Pakistan and he will "wake up", suggesting his stellar record and liking to dominate the neighbouring rivals. Akhtar also recalled Kohli's masterful innings from the 2022 T20 World Cup against the Men in Green in Melbourne.

“If you want Virat Kohli to wake up, just tell him that there’s a match against Pakistan and he will wake up, Remember the innings he played in Melbourne (2022 T20 World Cup). Hopefully, Babar Azam will come good for Pakistan too," Akhtar told Sports Tak.

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Akhtar on possible picks for Pakistan and India in CT 2025

Akhtar also spoke about the players who might feature in the upcoming Champions Trophy for both India and Pakistan. He spoke on the possibility of Saim Ayub, whose chances of making it to the squad look tough due to his injury.

“We though have a problem. Saim Ayub is injured, and I don’t know if he will make the cut. Saim and Fakhar (Zaman) would’ve made for a destructive opening pair for Pakistan. I was looking forward to seeing that," said Akhtar.

Akhtar also had high praises for Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is likely to be the backup opener for India in the tournament. “He’s (Jaiswal) a very talented and committed player. Scored runs in testing conditions in Australia. Hats off to him. What a talent! I really want to see him as an opener," Akhtar added.