Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf ignited a fiery exchange during the Asia Cup Super Four clash against India in Dubai on Sunday. Rauf drew significant attention with a provocative ‘6-0’ gesture and by mimicking a fighter jet towards the Indian crowd. These gestures were a direct response to aggressive chants of “Kohli, Kohli” from Indian fans, fueling the already intense atmosphere.
The ‘6-0’ gesture refers to an unsubstantiated claim widely circulated in Pakistan, alleging that six Indian Air Force aircraft were shot down during ‘Operation Sindoor’ in May. Rauf had also been seen making the ‘6-0’ chant during Pakistan’s training session on the eve of the match. This action immediately triggered widespread criticism online, with many fans deeming it “disgusting” and entirely inappropriate for a sporting event.
Haris Rauf (Image-X)
Despite the on-field theatrics, Rauf’s performance was a mixed bag. He managed to secure two crucial wickets, including that of India captain Suryakumar Yadav for a duck. However, he was also heavily hit, conceding 18 runs off just 11 balls to India’s formidable opening pair, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. His recollection of being hit for consecutive sixes by Virat Kohli in the 2022 T20 World Cup likely influenced his animated responses to the crowd’s taunts.
Ultimately, India remained composed and maintained control of the game. Sharma’s impressive 74 runs and Gill’s solid 47 laid a strong foundation for chasing down the target of 172. Shivam Dube delivered with the ball, dismissing key Pakistani batsmen, while Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya skillfully guided India to a six-wicket victory with seven balls to spare.
Rauf’s controversial gesture has now become a central point of discussion, highlighting how the deep-seated India-Pakistan cricket rivalry can often manifest in symbolic on-field provocations, drawing both intense attention and considerable condemnation.