It’s been nearly a year, but the memory of Virat Kohli’s breathtaking sixes against Haris Rauf remains as vivid as ever. These two iconic shots, struck during a group-stage clash in the 2022 T20 World Cup, continue to captivate cricket fans worldwide. More than just brilliant cricketing moments, they symbolize a rare unity among the 90,000-strong crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where supporters from India and Pakistan alike were left in awe of Kohli’s sheer genius.
Now, a year later, Kohli and Haris Rauf are set to face each other again, this time in the 2023 Asia Cup. In their previous encounter, Kohli had showcased his mastery by smashing consecutive sixes against Haris, including a back-foot hit that left the Pakistani pacer stunned. These strokes were pivotal in India’s thrilling four-wicket victory.
During a recent practice session ahead of their impending clash, Kohli and Haris shared a heartwarming moment, with laughter and a warm hug symbolizing the camaraderie between fierce competitors.
Reflecting on that iconic showdown, Haris admitted that Kohli’s class and prowess were simply astonishing. He emphasized that had those sixes been hit by any other batsman, it would have been painful, but coming off Kohli’s bat, it was a testament to his unparalleled talent.
As Kohli prepares to face Haris for the fourth time in international matches, their history dates back to 2018/19 when Haris served as a net bowler for India during the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia.
