Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf said that he is ready for India’s star batter Virat Kohli ahead of the arch-rivals clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The two sides will face off on February 23 in Dubai in a mouth-watering encounter.
Ahead of the much-awaiting clash between arch-rivals, Haris Rauf talked about his rumored chat with Virat Kohli after the batter had hit him for famous consecutive sixes against him in the 2022 T20 World Cup at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Kohli's undefeated 82 in that match led India to an epic triumph, and his dual sixes off Rauf earned him a lot of plaudits on social media and from past cricketers.
The former India captain is a top player who can dominate any bowler in the globe, Rauf said, adding that Kohli never made fun of him for hitting those sixes in his over.
"Never, Kohli never said a word about those sixes, and all the talk on social media is rubbish. Everyone praises Kohli for his batting and he is a world-class player. I always have fun bonding with him.
With his world-class batting, Kohli poses a stiff challenge to any bowler and it's the same with me. I relish that challenge and when we play against India in Dubai come Sunday it will be a match full of challenges. The best thing about bowling to him is you learn a lot of things in that match,” Rauf told Telecom Asia Sport.
Haris Rauf, who recovered from a side strain, is expected to be fit to play in the tournament opener against New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday.
"I am recovering well. I have bowled with speed in the training session, so it looks good for Wednesday. I am satisfied with myself, but it will be up to the management to decide on my inclusion," Rauf said.
Despite having only one specialist spinner in their team in Abrar Ahmed, the pacer believes Pakistan has enough spin-bowling options in Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha.
"We do not have only one spinner. We can use Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha and whoever is in good form will be useful. Pakistan is staging a global event after a long, long time so it's my wish that I play a part in the team's triumph and we can defend our title," Rauf added.
(IANS inputs)
