Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf divulged his first impression of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, as he dismissed the Indian opener in their opening game of the 2022 World Cup. The 29-year-old Pakistan pacer was impressive with the ball until Virat Kohli hit him for two consecutive sixes in the final stage of the innings.

Rauf breathed fire in the first match against their arch-rivals India, as he provided Pakistan much need breakthrough by dismissing Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav in their opening encounter. Speaking on Ultra Edge Podcast, Rauf recalled the memories of their match against India.

“When I saw Rohit Sharma during our national anthem, I said to myself I have to get his wicket,” Haris Rauf said.

Haris Rauf also recalled the early cricketing days when people used to pay him 10 to 15 thousand for his single over in tape ball matches, which helped him to meet his needs and for his studies

“Gradually started playing cricket, then I started earning match fees for the tape ball matches that used to play. I used to charge per over. People used to pay me 10 to fifteen thousand per over. And that is how I used to make ends meet. I used to send some home, paying my university fees and save some as well, ” he added.

Haris Rauf has played 1 Test, 18 ODIs, and 57 T20s for Pakistan, and has become the leading pacer for Pakistan along with Shaheen Shah Afridi. Rauf is known for his sheer pace and performed exceptionally well for the Men in Green in limited opportunities.

Just Avoid Social Media During The Tournament – Haris Rauf

Haris Rauf believes that it is important to stay away from social media while playing a tournament, stating that it will help the players to be more relaxed for the games and adding that social media has its pros and cons as the criticism on the player’s performance can affect their mindset in the tournament.

 “If you are playing a tournament, then the best way is to avoid social media. The more you avoid social media, the more relaxed you will be. Whether your performance has been good and you see what others here said about you that will affect you.

“And if your performance isn’t good then people will criticize you and it’ll also affect you. Just avoid social media during the tournament to stay stress-free,” Haris Rauf stated.

Haris Rauf will return to the Pakistan squad for the New Zealand series. The New Zealand team will tour Pakistan for a five-match T20 series starting on April 14, followed 5-match ODI series which acts as important preparation for both the teams as  ODI World Cup, scheduled later this year in India.