Concerns regarding player performance extend beyond Rohit Sharma, as Virat Kohli has also faced scrutiny. Despite scoring a century in Perth against Australia, Kohli's overall form since June has raised alarms among selectors and critics alike, leading to speculation about his future in the sport. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, experts are anxious about when Kohli will regain his form. In a light-hearted remark, Pakistan cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar suggested a playful approach to motivate Kohli.

Since September, Kohli has accumulated only 382 runs in 10 Test matches, averaging a mere 22.47, which includes one century and one half-century, marking his poorest performance in a calendar year since his entry into international cricket. In T20 internationals, where he participated solely in the World Cup, the 36-year-old managed to score just 151 runs at a strike rate of 112.68, with only one fifty to his credit.

As the England ODI series approaches, followed by the Champions Trophy—which may be Kohli's last opportunity in this format for India—concerns about his performance persist, even though he remains a key player in the squad. Akhtar, speaking with India Today, humorously suggested that the prospect of facing Pakistan could catalyze Kohli's revival, referencing his memorable innings in Melbourne during the 2022 T20 World Cup against Pakistan.

"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. Unfortunately, Saim Ayub is injured. I was looking forward to his partnership with Fakhar Zaman. It would have been a destructive opening pair," he remarked.

'Want Pakistan to win'

On February 23, the Champions Trophy will feature a match between India and Pakistan in Dubai. This venue holds significance as it was where Pakistan broke their World Cup losing streak against India with a decisive 10-wicket victory during the 2021 T20 World Cup. Akhtar expresses hope that the team led by Mohammad Rizwan can replicate that success.

"Both India and Pakistan are considered favourites. I anticipate an exciting match with a high score. Both teams must perform at their best, but I am rooting for Pakistan. As the host nation, they must secure a victory and return home triumphantly. However, India is a formidable opponent, and Bumrah is an exceptional player," he remarked.

When asked about giving Bumrah a nickname, the Rawalpindi Express surprised the reporter by referring to the Indian fast bowler as a "legend."

"What I admire most about Bumrah is his integrity as a fast bowler. Despite suffering a back injury, he did not let his team down," he concluded.

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