Khauf to bohot hai Kohli bhai ka’ – Pakistan’s Haris Rauf shares insights from facing Virat Kohli in net bowling drills

Pakistan cricket team are gearing up for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 and for that, they have also started the early preparations. The Men in Green arrived in India on September 27 and have also played their first warm-up game where they had to suffer an embarrassing loss to New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s star fast bowler Haris Rauf recently shared an incident when he faced former India captain Virat Kohli in a net practice during India’s tour of Australia 2018-19. Rauf was serving as a net bowler and bowled some deliveries to Kohli. He said that Kohli batted like he exactly knew where he was going to bowl.

“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 focused and that showed how sharp his concentration was. 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.” Rauf was quoted as saying by India Today.

Dale Steyn inspired me to be aggressive on the field: Haris Rauf

Rauf was hit for a brilliant six in the T20 World Cup 2022 by Kohli and the shot is regarded as one of the greatest shots ever played by any player. After this, Rauf was trolled a lot even in his own country. However, the speedster has also revealed the bowler who has been his inspiration. Rauf said that he used to watch the former South Africa legend Dale Steyn who inspired him to be aggressive on the field.

“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,” Rauf added.

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