With just over a month until India kicks off their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaign in Dubai, the focus has shifted to the form of Virat Kohli. Once a beacon of consistency, Kohli has struggled to deliver at the international level in recent months. His dip in performance has been a growing concern, especially after India’s 1-3 Test series loss to Australia, where Kohli failed to make an impact following a promising start to the tour.

While Kohli had a stellar IPL 2024, clinching the Orange Cap as the season’s top scorer, his form has been inconsistent in international cricket. At the T20 World Cup, he managed just 151 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 112.68, with 76 of those runs coming in the final—a crucial innings that helped India secure the title.

However, his Test record over the past year has been disappointing, with only 380 runs at an average of 22.47 in his last 10 matches. In the three ODIs India played against Sri Lanka last year, Kohli scored a mere 58 runs.

ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan Reveal Their Picks For India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

With his retirement from T20Is already announced, the upcoming ODI series against England will be his last chance to regain form ahead of the Champions Trophy. When asked about Kohli’s chances of a comeback, former Pakistan fast-bowling legend Shoaib Akhtar offered a playful yet insightful response.

“If you want Virat Kohli to wake up, just tell him there’s a match against Pakistan. He’ll wake up,” Shoiab Akhtar quipped, referencing Kohli’s unforgettable knock against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne. Akhtar also expressed hope for a thrilling India-Pakistan encounter on February 23, with key players like Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi stepping up for their respective sides.

However, Pakistan faces its own challenges, with the talented Saim Ayub sidelined due to injury. Akhtar lamented the potential loss of a destructive opening pair in Ayub and Fakhar Zaman but remained optimistic about Pakistan’s prospects.

ALSO READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammad Amir Predicts Pakistan’s Upper Hand Against India

Meanwhile, speculation is rife that India might include rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal as a backup opener for the marquee tournament. Akhtar praised Jaiswal’s talent, highlighting his performances in Australia, saying, “Hats off to him. What a talent! I really want to see him as an opener.” With high expectations and intense rivalries, the stage is set for an electrifying Champions Trophy.