Champions Trophy: If you want to wake up Virat Kohli, tell him that you have a match against Pakistan, Shoaib Akhtar says

Dubai: India's super star batter Virat Kohli has an impeccable record against Pakistan particularly in ICC events. Despite going through a lean patch, the 36-year-old gets fired up every time he plays Pakistan.

Pakistan's former speedster Shoaib Akhtar knows it better.

On Sunday just before the start of the ICC Champions Trophy match in Dubai, a journalist asked Akhtar about Kohli's form and he said: "If you want to wake up Virat Kohli just tell him that you have a match against Pakistan."

Kohli scored his 82nd century to power India to a six-wicket win over Pakistan in the second group game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Playing in his 299th ODI, Kohli scored an unbeaten century as India chased down the score in 42.3 overs.

Kohli now has five Player of the Match awards against Pakistan in ICC events, two more than the great Sachin Tendulkar, the second man on the list.

Even former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina was quick to offer his analogy after the match.

“Amrish Puri did not bother Shah Rukh Khan as much in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge as Virat Kohli troubled Pakistan,” he said.