Former Pakistan quick Aaqib Javed says the upcoming Asia Cup is a good opportunity for out-of-form Virat Kohli to get back to runs.

Kohli, 33, was rested for the recent tour of the West Indies and has not scored a century in any format since 2019. Last year he was replaced by Rohit Sharma as all-format skipper.

The last edition of the Asia Cup was a 50-over contest but this time the format will be Twenty20.

“If Kohli doesn’t perform, and India lose, they also face a similar situation like us," said Javed while speaking to PakTV.

"Then questions tend to arise why didn’t they play an in-form Deepak Hooda, suppose. But in UAE pitches, even out-of-form batters tend to find rhythm," he added.

The star batter has not struck a century since 2019 and has been under fire for his extended lean patch, with questions being raised over his future.

According to Aaqib, the likes of Babar Azam, Joe Root, Kane Williamson have the capacity to come out of their batting slump because they can rely on their technique as it is much more sound.

“There are two types of great players. One is players who, if they get stuck, their rough patch continues for a long time. The others are technically sound players, whose rough patch cannot continue that long, like Babar Azam, Kane Williamson, Joe Root. It is difficult to find their weakness.

“Kohli gets stuck at times with those deliveries outside off stump. James Anderson has targeted that a million times. Last day I was watching him bat and I felt that he is now consciously trying not to play those deliveries from a distance.

"When you change your technique, these problems will surface. To come out of it, he can try playing a big knock without being conscious. That will help him sustain a purple patch for a long time,” he added.

Many former players, including Ashish Nehra, believe Kohli should take a prolonged break to get his batting mojo back.

Kohli, who has hit 27 centuries in 102 Tests since making his debut in 2011, has endured a torrid 12 months that also saw him replaced as India's captain.