‘I felt like he knew exactly where the ball was going to hit his bat’ – Haris Rauf recalls bowling to Virat Kohli in the nets

It is hard for cricket lovers to forget Virat Kohli’s two consecutive sixes against Haris Rauf in the 2022 T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan. The right-arm pacer recently recalled the time when he was a net bowler with the Indian camp and was amazed by Kohli’s intensity.

Back in 2018-19, India traveled to Australia to play a multi-format series. Rauf, who is one of the fastest seamers in world cricket at the moment, joined the Indian team as a net bowler and got the opportunity to bowl to the legendary Kohli. Rauf recalled how focused the Delhi batter used to be during the net sessions and noted that it felt like he was bowling to him in a match.

“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,” Rauf said in ESPNcricinfo’s documentary The Incredible rise of Haris Rauf.

“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,” the 29-year-old added.

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

Dale Steyn was one of the greatest fast bowlers of his generation. Rauf revealed that the South African pacer is his idol as he 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.

The Rawalpindi-born pacer has played one Test, 28 ODIs, and 62 T20Is for Pakistan thus far. He has picked up one, 53, and 83 wickets, respectively, in the three formats. Rauf will have to play a key role if the ‘Men in Green’ are to go deep in the upcoming ODI World Cup.