Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf unfazed by India’s star-studded batting line-up

Dubai: India’s star-studded batting line-up has torn through opponents in recent months, but Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf isn’t losing any sleep over it. With Shubman Gill in red-hot form and Virat Kohli always a threat, many expect Pakistan’s bowlers to be under pressure in their crucial clash in Dubai. Rauf, however, remains unfazed.

“There’s no pressure for me, nor the team,” he said, exuding confidence ahead of the high-voltage encounter.

For years, India-Pakistan clashes have been defined by a battle between India’s batters and Pakistan’s bowlers, and this one is no different. With a formidable three-man pace attack, Pakistan believes they have the firepower to dismantle India’s top order. Rauf, who has fully recovered from a minor injury, is backing his team to execute their plans and silence the opposition.

“We will assess the pitch and conditions and will determine the strategy against all the Indian batters,” the 31-year-old pacer told Gulf News.

Beyond the team battle, Rauf also has a personal point to prove. The last time he faced Virat Kohli in a T20 World Cup, the Indian batter launched him for two stunning sixes in a dramatic penultimate over, turning the game in India’s favour. Intentional Cricket Council announced Kohli’s straight-drive six against Rauf as the ‘Shot of the Century’. While Pakistan went on to reach the final, Rauf has another opportunity on the big stage, he is determined to flip the script.

Pakistan can also take confidence from their history at the venue. In 2021, they famously broke their World Cup losing streak against India in Dubai, winning by 10 wickets. The team is hoping to channel that energy again, especially with semi-final hopes hanging in the balance.

India already have two points, while a loss for Pakistan would leave them relying on other results. But Rauf isn’t concerned about the permutations — his focus is on executing the plan and delivering under pressure.

One setback for Pakistan is the absence of opener Fakhar Zaman, who has been ruled out due to injury. The left-hander was instrumental in Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy final win over India, and his absence will be felt. However, Rauf believes the team has enough depth to overcome the loss.

“We can’t do much about the loss, and now we are focusing on the India match,” he said. “It’s an important game, and we are confident of rectifying our mistakes from the New Zealand game. Zaman was in great form, and we’ll surely miss him, but the team remains positive.”

With questions looming over Pakistan’s consistency and India’s batting strength, Rauf knows this is an opportunity to make a statement. A strong performance against India wouldn’t just boost Pakistan’s semi-final chances — it would reaffirm their reputation as a bowling powerhouse. And for Rauf, it’s a chance to turn past frustrations into triumph.

“We are looking forward to this match,” he said with a grin. “Dubai has been good for us before — there’s no reason it won’t be again.”