Haris Rauf reminisced about the moment he delivered to Virat Kohli after getting chosen as a replacement bowler for India. Rauf had the opportunity to bowl to Kohli back in 2018–19. This was when India visited Australia for a Test, ODI, and T20I series. Kohli was at the pinnacle of his international game at the time.
Harif Rauf is one of Pakistan’s top bowlers within limited overs cricket. He stated that he was astounded by Kohli’s level of focus, even during practise sessions. Haris Rauf spoke to ESPNCricinfo during his documentary as he said, “When I was a net bowler for the Indian team and was bowling to Virat Kohli, I felt like he knew exactly where the ball was going to hit his bat. He was very focussed and that showed how sharp his concentration was.”
He added that, “Even during practice sessions in the nets, it felt like I was playing a match against him, despite being a net bowler. His remarkable control and intensity made me realise why he has such a reputation in the game.”
“I don’t think any other player can hit a shot like that” : Haris Rauf
Rauf, who is 29 years old, also mentioned how great South African fast bowler Dale Steyn influenced him. He said, “I used to watch Dale Steyn and I liked the way he used to show aggression on the field after picking up a wicket. He inspired me to be aggressive on the field. That’s why he is my idol.”
During a conversation with Cricwick last year, Rauf mentioned Kohli’s 82* run at the MCG. He said that anybody else would have harmed him by hitting those two sixes.
The fast bowler said, “The way he [Kohli] played in the World Cup, that is his class, we all know the types of shots he plays. And the way he hit those sixes, I don’t think any other player can hit a shot like that off my bowling. If Dinesh Karthik or Hardik Pandya would’ve hit those sixes, I would’ve been hurting but those came off Kohli’s bat and he is a different class altogether.”
