Virat Kohli’s two straight sixes against Haris Rauf during India and Pakistan’s T20 World Cup matchup in 2022 are difficult for cricket fans to forget. Recently, the right-arm pacer reflected on his time as an Indian net bowler, when he was struck by Kohli’s intensity.
India visited Australia in 2018–19 to play a multi-format series. One of the fastest seamers in international cricket right now, Haris Rauf joined the Indian team as a net bowler and had the chance to bowl to the famous Kohli. During the net sessions, the Delhi hitter used to be quite focused, and Rauf remarked that it felt as though he was bowling to him in a game.
“When I was bowling to Virat Kohli as a net bowler for the Indian team, I thought he knew precisely where the ball was going to hit his bat. According to Rauf, who appeared in the ESPNcricinfo documentary The Incredible rise of Haris Rauf, “He was really focused, and that demonstrated how keen his concentration was.
“Despite being a net bowler, even during practice sessions in the nets, I felt like I was playing a match against him. I now see why he has such a reputation in the game because of his extraordinary control and passion,” the 29-year-old continued.
I was motivated to play hard by Dale Steyn: Haris Rauf
One of the best fast bowlers of his period was Dale Steyn. Rauf acknowledged that the South African bowler is his hero because he encouraged him to play aggressively.
“When I used to watch Dale Steyn, I appreciated the way he would get aggressive on the field after getting a wicket. He encouraged me to play aggressively. He is my hero for this reason, Rauf continued.
The Rawalpindi-born bowler has so far represented Pakistan in one Test, 28 ODIs, and 62 T20 Internationals. In each of the three formats, he has taken one, 53, and 83 wickets. If the “Men in Green” want to compete in the ODI World Cup, Rauf will have to play a significant role.
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