Virat Kohli, the prolific batsman for Team India, has been struggling to find his footing in recent domestic Test series against New Zealand. His performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia also raised eyebrows, as he managed to accumulate less than 200 runs across five matches. This poor form has placed him under scrutiny from former cricket legends. However, former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has come to Virat’s defense during this challenging phase and even offered some insightful strategies to revive his batting form.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Formula to Revive Virat Kohli’s Form
During discussions about Kohli’s recent struggles, Akhtar humorously suggested a unique solution. He remarked that if Virat needs to regain his form, someone should simply inform him that there’s a match against Pakistan on the cards. According to Akhtar, “If you want to wake up Virat Kohli, just tell him there’s a match against Pakistan, and he will come alive. The innings he played in Melbourne shows that he can spring back to life. Many players fighting with form manage to find it again.” This light-hearted take highlights the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, which often serves as a catalyst for top players to perform at their best.
Hopes for Babar Azam’s Comeback in Form
Shoaib Akhtar didn’t stop at Kohli but also expressed optimism regarding the form of Pakistan’s star player, Babar Azam. Like Kohli, Babar has faced challenges in scoring significant runs lately. Akhtar stated, “I hope Babar Azam will also find his form and showcase his talent. I am looking forward to a competitive match in the Champions Trophy. It will be exciting to see Babar score runs from one side while Virat scores from the other.” This sentiment indicates a yearning among fans for high-quality cricket during bilateral encounters.
India vs Pakistan Clash in the Champions Trophy
Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the upcoming showdown between India and Pakistan. Following their face-off in the 2023 ODI World Cup, both teams are set to clash once again in the Champions Trophy. Scheduled on February 23, the match will take place in Dubai, drawing massive attention from fans worldwide. Prior to this high-stakes encounter, Team India will kick off their ICC tournament journey against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a match against New Zealand on March 2. This tournament is expected to be filled with electrifying performances, especially with both teams vying for supremacy.