“Just tell him you have a match against Pakistan” - Legendary fast bowler’s advice for Virat Kohli after poor returns in BGT 2024-25

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has also advised Virat Kohli after his poor returns in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. The star Indian batter scored just 190 runs from five Tests and failed to capitalize after scoring an unbeaten hundred in the first Test in Perth.

Ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy, Shoaib Akhtar has come up with a solution to wake Virat Kohli up and bring him back to form. Talking to India Today, the former Pakistan speedster asked to remind Kohli about his iconic innings against the neighbors in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne.

"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. Hopefully, Babar Azam will do that for Pakistan," he said.

Further, he spoke about Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, calling him an 'honest' fast bowler.

"The best thing I like about Bumrah is that he is an honest fast bowler. He got his back injured but did not let India down," Akhtar said.

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"I hope Pakistan win" - Shoaib Akhtar on Champions Trophy 2025 clash with India

India and Pakistan are set to clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, February 23, at the Dubai International Stadium. Notably, this is the same venue where Pakistan beat India in the 2021 T20 World Cup to end their losing streak against the Men in Blue in World Cup matches.

Akhtar said that both teams are favorites and one can expect a good contest when the two sides meet. While he admitted that India are a strong side, he expressed his wish to see Pakistan beat their rivals.

"India and Pakistan are both favorites. I expect a good contest and a high-scoring game. It's time for both teams to wake up, but I hope Pakistan win. They are the hosts, and they need to win and return home then. But India is a strong side. Bumrah is a one-man army," he said.

The last time these two teams met in the Champions Trophy was during the final of the 2017 edition. Pakistan beat India to win the trophy and are also the defending champions.