Haris Rauf is one of the most exciting fast bowlers to have emerged from Pakistan in recent years. Known for his express pace and unorthodox bowling action, Rauf has taken the world of cricket by storm.
Haris Rauf: The Meteoric Rise of Pakistan's Cricket Sensation
Haris Rauf is one of the most exciting fast bowlers to have emerged from Pakistan in recent
years. Known for his express pace and unorthodox bowling action, Rauf has taken the world of
cricket by storm. From playing tennis ball cricket in his village to becoming a key player
in the Pakistan national team, his journey is an inspiring story of talent, hard work, and
perseverance.
The Early Days: From a Small Village to the Big Stage
Haris Rauf was born on November 7, 1993, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He grew up in a small village where his love for cricket started at a young age. Like many aspiring cricketers in Pakistan, he began playing tennis ball cricket, which is a popular format in local streets and fields. It was here that Rauf first showcased his raw pace and cricketing talent. However, his journey to professional cricket wasn’t straightforward. Before taking up cricket seriously, Rauf was a keen football player. His interest in fast bowling developed much later when he started playing with a leather ball. It was his ability to bowl fast that caught the attention of local coaches and scouts. Despite not having formal training, his natural talent helped him stand out.Discovery and the Big Break: Pakistan Super League (PSL)
Rauf's breakthrough moment came when he was discovered by Lahore Qalandars, a team in Pakistan’s premier T20 competition, the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In 2018, he was spotted by the franchise’s talent hunt program, which aimed to unearth hidden gems from the local cricket scene. The Qalandars’ talent scouting team noticed his pace and invited him for trials. Incredibly, Rauf’s pace was clocked at speeds over 150 km/h during his trial, and this impressed the coaches and management. He was quickly drafted into the Lahore Qalandars squad for the 2019 PSL season. His performances in the tournament were nothing short of sensational, despite being an unknown name at the time. Rauf’s pace and ability to bowl yorkers under pressure made him an instant favorite among fans.International Debut: A Dream Come True
Haris Rauf’s rapid rise in domestic and T20 cricket caught the eye of the Pakistan
selectors, and in early 2020, he made his debut for the Pakistan national team. He was
selected for the Pakistan squad for their tour of Bangladesh, and Rauf made his T20 debut in
January 2020. His dream of representing his country had finally come true.
His performance on debut was exceptional, and his pace immediately earned him recognition at
the international level. His ability to bowl fast and aggressive spells with deadly yorkers
and sharp bouncers made him an essential part of Pakistan's T20 squad.
Rauf’s breakthrough moment on the international stage came in 2020 during a T20 match
against Zimbabwe, where he took crucial wickets and bowled at express pace, solidifying his
place in Pakistan’s fast bowling lineup.
Skills and Strengths: The Key to His Success
Rauf’s most prominent asset is his pace. Standing at 6 feet tall, his strong build helps him generate significant speed, and his deliveries regularly clock in the range of 145-155 km/h. His pace, combined with his accuracy, makes him an extremely dangerous bowler in limited-overs cricket. What sets him apart from other fast bowlers is his unique action. Rauf’s delivery stride is unorthodox, but it is highly effective. His ability to bowl yorkers, especially in the death overs, is another crucial weapon in his arsenal. Whether it's the inswinging deliveries that trap batsmen or the bouncers that keep them on their toes, Rauf has the ability to challenge any batsman. Another factor that has contributed to Rauf’s success is his mental toughness. Despite the intense pressure that comes with playing for the national team, Rauf has remained calm and composed. His ability to bowl under pressure, particularly in close matches, has made him a reliable option for Pakistan in T20 internationals." His pace, combined with his accuracy, makes him an extremely dangerous bowler in limited-overs cricket."
Rauf’s IPL Stint and Global Recognition
In 2020, Rauf’s stock rose even further when he was picked by the Rajasthan Royals in the
Indian Premier League (IPL). His appearance in the IPL allowed him to rub shoulders with
some of the best cricketers in the world. Although his time with the Royals was brief, it
helped raise his profile on the global stage.
Moreover, Rauf’s performances in various T20 leagues, including the Big Bash League (BBL) in
Australia, have garnered international recognition. His presence in these leagues exposed
him to a global audience and helped him hone his skills while learning from some of the best
cricketers and coaches in the world.
