'Told him, I wanted CSK jersey not India one' - Haris Rauf recalls memorable encounter with MS Dhoni

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf recalled an unforgettable encounter with former India captain, MS Dhoni, from the 2021 T20 World Cup when India and Pakistan clashed. Dhoni, who travelled with the Indian team for the tournament as the team mentor, met with a number of Pakistan players after the match.

Rauf shared that he asked the Indian star for his jersey, specifically of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and not India’s. Dhoni assured the pacer that he would send him his jersey, and the Pakistan bowler received it when he was in Australia.

“I met MS Dhoni after the game against India at the T20 World Cup last year. I asked him to give me one of his shirts. But I told him that I wanted a CSK jersey and not the Team India one,” Rauf said on YouTube channel ‘The Grade Cricketer.’ “He told me that he will surely send me that. I finally received it when I was in Australia.”

Hardik Pandya was bowling alongside me: Haris Rauf

After Rauf received the CSK jersey from Dhoni, he posted the pictures of the jersey and wrote on Twitter, “The legend & capt cool @msdhoni has honored me with this beautiful gift his shirt. The “7” still winning hearts through his kind & goodwill gestures. @russcsk especially Thank you so much for the kind support.”

Rauf shared another instance of training with the Indian team during a net session in Australia. “The Indian team’s manager wanted some net bowlers who could bowl to the batters in Australia. I felt it would be a great opportunity for me to bowl to international cricketers.”

“I bowled to the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli in the nets. Hardik Pandya was bowling alongside me, and he told me that I was doing good and that he’s sure that I’d soon be playing for the Pakistan team,” added the Pakistan pacer.

India and Pakistan faced off on October 24, 2021, in the T20 World Cup, which Pakistan won by 10 wickets. India were restricted to 151 in the first innings and Rauf finished with one wicket for 25 runs in four overs. Pakistan chased down the target of 152 in 17.5 overs.