As the Champions Trophy approaches, interest is rising over the upcoming clash between archrivals India and Pakistan with people talking about the matchups in the key clash.
Pakistan's express pacer Haris Rauf Monday vowed he was ready to face the challenge posed by star Indian batter Virat Kohli in international matches and that he always learns a lot while bowling to him.
Replying to a question from Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net), Rauf said Kohli never teased him about the sixes he hit at the fag end of the Twenty20 World Cup match at the MCG in 2022.
"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.
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.
Needing 28 off the last eight balls, Kohli sent one soaring over the long-off as Haris bowled a length delivery. The next ball was flicked towards deep fine-leg for another maximum.
India romped home by scoring 16 off the last over bowled by spinner Mohammad Nawaz, winning by four wickets.
The two teams face each other in the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday -- a match seen as the biggest game of the trophy.
The 31-year-old Haris is recovering from a side strain and is expected to feature in Pakistan's opening game against New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday. He bowled three overs at a good pace in the team's training session on Monday.
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.
Haris played down the impression that Pakistan will miss a second spinner in the Trophy.
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.
