Haris Rauf’s face-off in opposition to Virat Kohli ultimately yr’s T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan has already turn out to be the stuff of legends. With India needing 28 to win off 8 balls, India appeared useless and out, however Kohli’s twin sixes off Rauf within the penultimate over swung the momentum in India’s favour. The equation boiled all the way down to a difficult 16 to win off 6 balls, however after an uber-dramatic remaining over bowled by Mohammad Nawaz, India received the sport by 4 wickets.
Haris Rauf realised the greatness of Virat Kohli 5 years in the past itself.(Getty Images)
Not many could be conscious that curiously, the primary time Rauf bowled to Kohli was in early 2018/19 when India have been in Australia taking part in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rauf, solely 24 then, was one of many internet bowlers employed by India for preparation in opposition to the mighty Aussies. As captain, Kohli was on the peak of his batting profession, piling a mountain of runs and racking up centuries for enjoyable. And it was throughout one in all these intense internet classes that Rauf encountered the complete pressure of Kohli’s batting prowess, experiencing the sheer ferocity of the beast that he was.
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“When I was a net bowler with 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. Even during practice session in the nets, he unleashed so much aggression that, 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 stated in his documentary on ESPNCricinfo.
Ever since that epic night in Melbourne final yr, Rauf and Kohli have crossed paths solely twice, not too long ago through the Asia Cup. They have been seen exchanging a hearty snort earlier than squaring off on the pitch through the Super Four tie the place Rauf bowled 4 deliveries to Kohli earlier than being rested on the reserve day. Rauf is wounded from that Kohli remedy from October 22, and virtually a yr later, can be wanting to actual revenge on October 14 when India and Pakistan renew their World Cup rivalry at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
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Source: www.hindustantimes.com
