During a recent cricket match, Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf found himself the target of playful taunts from fans, who reminded him of Virat Kohli's iconic sixes against him in the 2022 T20 World Cup. The incident occurred while Rauf was fielding near the boundary. Indian supporters began chanting "Kohli, Kohli". Rauf, however, attempted to blank out the noise.
The memory being evoked refers to the India-Pakistan match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the 2022 T20 World Cup. With India needing 28 runs off the last eight balls, Kohli hit Rauf for two consecutive sixes, shifting the momentum and ultimately leading India to victory. Kohli's innings of 82 not out off 53 balls is considered one of the greatest in T20 cricket. The two sixes off Rauf have become iconic and are etched in cricket folklore.
Rauf has previously spoken about those sixes, acknowledging Kohli's skill and class. He admitted that he was hurt when those shots went for six. Rauf stated that Kohli is a different class altogether and that he doesn't believe any other player could have hit those shots off his bowling. He also added that had Hardik Pandya or Dinesh Karthik hit him for those sixes, he would have been more upset. Rauf said he had no idea that Kohli could hit him down the ground off that length.
Despite the painful memory, Rauf has maintained a positive attitude. In the past, when fans have teased him about the sixes, he has responded gracefully. He has also emphasized that Kohli never mocked or taunted him about those sixes. Rauf has expressed that he enjoys the challenge of bowling to Kohli and learns a lot from it.
Rauf has fully recovered from a side strain and is ready to play. He is also preparing to face Kohli in the upcoming matches between India and Pakistan.
The incident highlights the intensity and passion surrounding India-Pakistan cricket matches, as well as the enduring impact of Kohli's brilliance in that 2022 T20 World Cup game.