The former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has said that he is confident of Virat Kohli’s greatest comeback ahead of the 50-over tournament.
His statement comes after, Kohli’s struggle to score runs in the recently concluded Border Gavaskar Trophy where India suffered a 1-3 utter defeat. Legendary bowler Akhtar has backed Kohli, emphasising that the star batter will face his opponents, Pakistan in the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
He expressed confidence in an electrifying IND-PAK clash during the ICC tournament. The high-profile clash between India and Pakistan is set to meet in a Group A match on February 23 in Dubai.
“If you want Virat Kohli back in form, tell him that there is a match against Pakistan. He will wake up. We have seen it often. He played a top knock in Melbourne. He will get up and running,” said Akhtar.
India will need their senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s performance should be boasted following the poor run in the BGT 2024-25. The Indian skipper and star batter are expected to be part of India’s squad for Champions Trophy 2025 which is yet to be announced.
Virat Kohli managed just 190 runs at an average of 23 during the Australia series, however, he has an average exceeding 50 in ODIs against Pakistan, scoring 678 runs including three centuries, in 16 matches. In T20Is, Kohli is the leading runs scorer scoring 492 runs at an average of 70.28 against Pakistan.
Akhtar also recalled Kohli’s Iconic knock in Melbourne during the T20 World Cup 2022 as one of the finest ever played in the format.
Despite his support for Kohli, Shoaib Akhtar has backed Pakistan for the highly anticipated clash.
Pakistan is set to host a major ICC tournament for the first games since co-hosting the World Cup in 1996.
“I hope for an evenly fought contest between India and Pakistan on the big day in Dubai,” said Akhtar.
“Imagine Virat Kohli scoring runs for India, Babar Azam scoring for Pakistan, Shaheen and Naseem bowling well for Pakistan, Jasprit Bumrah firing for India. Saim is out at the moment, not sure what’s the status with him.”
“If he and Fakhar Zaman open, it would be great for Pakistan — a disaster for other teams because they can be destructive together. I was so looking forward to seeing them.”
While asked about his favourite, Shoaib Akhtar said, “India is also a favourite; Pakistan is also a favourite. It should be a cracking contest. Hopefully, it’s a high-scoring one.”
India has a stunning record against Pakistan in ICC ODI events including the victory in the ODI World Cup 2023. But Pakistan has clinched the Champions Trophy 2017 by defeating India in the final at The Oval in London.
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