Injury Update for Haris Rauf: Scans reveal no tears, but he is ruled out of bowling in the India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 match
Rauf has been ruled out of bowling in the remainder of the India-Pakistan Super Four match on the reserve day because of his injury. He complained about this comfort in his right flank and was subsequently ruled out of bowling. On September 10, the scheduled match day for the India-Pakistan game, Rauf had bowled five overs for 27 runs and no wickets. He has been the pick of the Pakistan bowlers in the Asia Cup so far, having taken nine wickets at an average of 13.33.
While scans have revealed no tear, this injury comes as a big setback for Pakistan, both in the immediate context of the ongoing match against India and the larger context of the Asia Cup and the World Cup.
Speaking on the injury of Rauf and its impact on the game for Pakistan, Gautam Gambhir told the host broadcasters, "Again, it’s a huge test on Babar's captaincy. And this is going to help Babar grow as a leader as well.
"These things can happen, and the good part from Pakistan’s point of view is that they have gone in with four seamen. Imagine if they'd gone into this game with only three seamers, and then they’d have had to bowl a lot of spin, which India would have fancied their chances with.
While concluding his statement, Gambhir said, "It’s bad news for Pakistan because Haris has been the pick of the bowlers in the tournament. He bowls in difficult situations; he bowls the tough overs. Bowling one-change in one-day cricket or bowling in the last 10 overs is the toughest job. How Babar will manage those five overs and how India can take advantage of those five overs will decide how this game is going to pan out."