The intense rivalry between India and Pakistan once again extended beyond the cricket pitch during the Asia Cup Super Four clash in Dubai. Pakistan’s fast bowler, Haris Rauf, engaged in a dramatic exchange not only with Indian batsmen but also with a vocal crowd.
Haris Rauf of Pakistan celebrates after dismissing Sanju Samson. (Getty Images)
On a night where India decisively defeated Pakistan by six wickets, chants of “Kohli, Kohli” echoed through the Dubai International Cricket Stadium every time Rauf approached the boundary ropes. These taunts were a stark reminder of Virat Kohli’s legendary performance against Rauf during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne, where Kohli famously hit two sixes in the penultimate over—a moment etched in the annals of cricket history.
The persistent chanting clearly got under Rauf’s skin. Initially, he cupped his ear, encouraging the fans to amplify their calls. Later, he escalated the situation by making a provocative fighter-jet gesture, which quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread debate. This gesture was widely perceived as a reference to Pakistan’s controversial claims of shooting down Indian jets, adding fuel to an already volatile contest.
Rauf’s aggressive demeanor wasn’t confined to his interactions with the spectators. On the field, he managed to take 2 wickets for 26 runs in his four overs, posing challenges to India’s middle order but ultimately failing to prevent his team’s defeat. Earlier in the match, he was also seen in heated verbal exchanges with India’s Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill during the chase, prompting intervention from the umpires.
India, however, responded powerfully with their batting. Abhishek Sharma delivered an explosive 74 runs off just 39 balls, featuring six boundaries and five sixes, while Shubman Gill contributed 47 runs off 28 deliveries. Their commanding 105-run opening partnership dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack, paving the way for a comfortable chase of 172. Tilak Varma (30*) provided the finishing touches, securing India’s victory in 18.5 overs.
As the dust settles on this match, Rauf’s fiery interactions with the fans remain a central talking point. What began with the “Kohli-Kohli” chants evolved into gestures that could have lasting repercussions, serving as yet another reminder that in India-Pakistan cricket, the battle often rages as intensely off the field as it does on it.