ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Haris Rauf downplays Virat Kohli’s MCG sixes, sets sights on another battle

As the excitement for the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 intensifies, Haris Rauf has set his sights on a familiar battle with Virat Kohli. Haris Rauf, who was at the receiving end of Virat Kohli’s iconic hammering in the 2022 T20 World Cup, is now gearing up for another faceoff against the Indian batting maestro in Dubai.

The memory of Kohli’s unforgettable sixes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is still fresh in the fans’ minds, but the Pakistani speedster remains unfazed and revealed that the former Indian skipper never talked about those back-to-back sixes at the MCG, dismissing the media chatter.

Haris Rauf eager for thrilling clash with Virat Kohli at ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Rauf acknowledges Kohli’s stature as one of the best in the world and sees every battle against him as an opportunity to learn and improve. The fiery pacer believes that playing against such world-class batters only sharpens his skills, so he is looking forward to the upcoming clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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According to IANS, Haris Rauf was quoted as saying by Telecom Asia Sport, “Never, Kohli never said a word about those sixes, and all the talk on social media is rubbish. Everyone praises Kohli for his batting, and he is a world-class player. I always have fun bonding with him.”

The Pakistani fast bowler further added, “With his world-class batting, Kohli poses a stiff challenge to any bowler, and it's the same with me. I relish that challenge, and when we play against India in Dubai come Sunday, it will be a match full of challenges. The best thing about bowling to him is you learn a lot of things in that match.”

I'm satisfied with myself: Haris Rauf on his fitness after injury scare

However, Rauf is focused on the blockbuster clash against India in Dubai, but his immediate concern is regaining full fitness for the ICC Champions Trophy opener between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday (February 19).

The 31-year-old pacer has recently recovered from a side strain, and he has been pushing himself in training. However, Raud now feels confident about his chances of playing in the tournament opener in Karachi, but the team management will take the final call on his participation.

Sharing further updates on his fitness, Rauf said, “I am recovering well. I have bowled with speed in the training session, so it looks good for Wednesday. I am satisfied with myself, but it will be up to the management to decide on my inclusion.”

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Haris Rauf says it's my wish that 'we can defend our title'

Speaking about Pakistan’s spin attack for the ICC Champions Trophy, Rauf is confident Abrar Ahmed will deliver for the Men in Green, and when the need arises, spin all-rounders Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha can step up in the eight-nation tournament.

Rauf signed off by saying, “We do not have only one spinner. We can use Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha, and whoever is in good form will be useful. Pakistan is staging a global event after a long, long time, so it's my wish that I play a part in the team's triumph and we can defend our title.”