Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has backed Virat Kohli to regain his form, emphasising that the star batter will face his favourite opponents, Pakistan, in the upcoming Champions Trophy one-day tournament.

Speaking to India Today's sister channel SportsTak, Akhtar expressed confidence in a "cracker of a contest" between India and Pakistan during the premier eight-team competition, starting February 19.

India and Pakistan are set to meet in the much-anticipated Group A match in Dubai on February 23, just three days after India's opener against Bangladesh.

"If you want Virat Kohli back in form, tell him that there is a match against Pakistan. He will wake up. We have seen it often. He played a top knock in Melbourne. He will get up and running," said Akhtar.

India will need their senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to deliver with the bat following a disappointing showing in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Kohli and Rohit are expected to be part of the Champions Trophy squad, which is yet to be announced, questions surrounding their futures have intensified. A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could be pivotal in determining their future in the team.

Virat Kohli managed just 190 runs in five Tests at an average of 23 during the Australia series. Apart from a century in Perth, Kohli struggled against seam movement and repeatedly fell into Australia's off-side trap, being caught behind eight times out of ten dismissals.

However, Kohli has consistently excelled against Pakistan. He averages 52.15 in ODIs, scoring 678 runs, including three centuries, in 16 matches. In T20Is, Kohli is India's leading run-scorer against Pakistan, amassing 492 runs at an impressive average of 70.28.

Akhtar recalled Kohli's iconic knock in Melbourne during the T20 World Cup 2022 as one of the finest ever played in the format.

WHO IS FAVOURITE: INDIA OR PAKISTAN?

Despite his support for Kohli, Akhtar hopes Pakistan will deliver a stiff challenge and emerge victorious in the highly anticipated clash.

Pakistan is hosting a major ICC tournament for the first time since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup. India will play their matches in Dubai, while the rest of the games will take place across venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.

"I hope for an evenly fought contest between India and Pakistan on the big day in Dubai," said Akhtar.

"Imagine Virat Kohli scoring runs for India, Babar Azam scoring for Pakistan, Shaheen and Naseem bowling well for Pakistan, Jasprit Bumrah firing for India. Saim is out at the moment, not sure what's the status with him. If he and Fakhar Zaman open, it would be great for Pakistan - a disaster for other teams because they can be destructive together. I was so looking forward to seeing them."

When asked to pick a favourite, Akhtar diplomatically responded: "India is also a favourite; Pakistan is also a favourite. It should be a cracking contest. Hopefully, it's a high-scoring one."

India has historically dominated Pakistan in ICC one-day events, including a resounding victory during the 2023 World Cup match in Ahmedabad. However, Pakistan clinched the Champions Trophy title in 2017 by defeating India in the final at The Oval in London.