Champions Trophy: Rauf Ready to Challenge Kohli's Batting Prowess

Synopsis

Haris Rauf is excited to face Virat Kohli in the Champions Trophy clash between India and Pakistan. He recalls the infamous sixes from the 2022 T20 World Cup, praising Kohli's exceptional skills and expressing his eagerness for the challenge ahead.

Key Takeaways

Haris Rauf is ready to face Virat Kohli again.
Kohli's performance in the 2022 T20 World Cup was historic.
Rauf admires Kohli as a world-class player.
Pakistan has multiple spin-bowling options despite having one specialist.
Rauf aims to help Pakistan defend their title.

Karachi, Feb 18 (NationPress) As the highly anticipated showdown between arch-rivals India and Pakistan approaches in the Champions Trophy on Sunday, pacer Haris Rauf expressed his eagerness to confront the legendary batter Virat Kohli. Kohli notably hit consecutive sixes against him during the 2022 T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Kohli’s remarkable unbeaten 82 in that match led India to a historic victory, earning him widespread acclaim on social media and from former cricketers.

Reflecting on that unforgettable moment, Rauf stated that Kohli did not mock him for those sixes and emphasized that the former Indian captain is indeed a world-class player capable of dominating any bowler globally.

"Never, Kohli never commented on those sixes; all the social media chatter is just noise. Everyone admires Kohli for his batting, and he truly is a world-class player. I always enjoy connecting with him," Rauf shared with Telecom Asia Sport.

“With his exceptional batting skills, Kohli presents a formidable challenge to any bowler, and I feel the same. I look forward to that challenge, and when we face India in Dubai this Sunday, it will be a match filled with hurdles. The most rewarding aspect of bowling to him is the invaluable lessons learned during the game,” he added.

The 31-year-old, who is on the mend from a side strain, anticipates being fit for the tournament opener against New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday.

“I am recovering well. I have bowled with pace during training, so it looks promising for Wednesday. I am pleased with my progress, but the management will decide on my participation,” Rauf mentioned.

The pacer believes Pakistan has sufficient spin-bowling options with Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha, despite having just one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, in the squad.

“We are not limited to just one spinner. We can utilize Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha, and whoever is in form will be beneficial,” he added.

“Pakistan is hosting a global event after a significant gap, so I hope to contribute to the team's success and help defend our title,” Rauf concluded.