Haris Rauf Against India: Wasim Akram Calls Him a “Run-Machine”

The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan once again gave cricket fans high drama and big emotions. But for Pakistan, it also brought disappointment. Fast bowler Haris Rauf against India became the main story, and not for the right reasons.

Pakistan legend Wasim Akram openly called Rauf a “run machine,” saying he leaks runs whenever he bowls against India. His poor bowling in the final has sparked huge debate in the cricket world.

India vs Pakistan – A Rivalry Like No Other

Whenever India and Pakistan meet on the cricket field, millions of fans from both sides of the border stop everything to watch.

• Matches are always high-pressure.

• Players are judged on every ball.

• Winning or losing feels bigger than just cricket.

In the Asia Cup 2025 final, India came out on top once again, lifting their ninth Asia Cup title. Sadly for Pakistan, Haris Rauf against India again ended in disappointment.

Haris Rauf’s Struggle in the Asia Cup Final

Haris Rauf was trusted with important overs, but instead of helping Pakistan, he gave away too many runs.

• He bowled 3.5 overs for 50 runs.

• His economy rate was more than 13 runs per over.

• He even conceded the winning runs to Rinku Singh.

For a bowler known for speed and aggression, this was a nightmare performance. Fans expected him to turn the match in Pakistan’s favor, but it went the other way.

Wasim Akram’s Harsh Words

After the match, Wasim Akram shared his views on Rauf’s performance while speaking on Sony Sports. He didn’t hold back.

“He’s unfortunately a run machine as a bowler, and especially against India. I’m not criticizing him. The whole country is criticizing him. He doesn’t play red-ball cricket, so he’s not going to improve.”

Akram’s key points were:

• Haris Rauf leaks too many runs, especially in matches against India.

• He refuses to play Test or first-class cricket, which is important for improvement.

• Without red-ball cricket, he lacks the discipline and patience needed to handle pressure.

 

Akram stressed that without playing long-format cricket, bowlers like Rauf cannot grow fully.

• Red-ball cricket teaches control, stamina, and patience.

• Playing only T20s makes bowlers aggressive but less consistent.

• Pressure handling improves when bowlers bowl long spells.

Akram even suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should make it compulsory for T20 stars to play at least four or five first-class matches every year.

The Turning Point of the Match

Pakistan still had a chance when India needed 64 runs from 36 balls. The captain gave the ball to Haris Rauf, hoping for a tight over. But instead:

• He conceded 17 runs in the 15th over.

• The pressure completely shifted in India’s favor.

• Later, in the 18th over, he again gave away a six on the last ball.

By then, it was clear: the final had slipped out of Pakistan’s hands. Once again, the story of Haris Rauf against India was about giving away runs at crucial stages.

Fans React on Social Media

Fans in Pakistan were furious after the loss. Social media was flooded with reactions:

• Many said Rauf is India’s “favorite bowler” because he always goes for runs.

• Some demanded younger bowlers be given a chance instead.

• Others criticized the captain for trusting him with crucial overs.

The disappointment was clear: fans want bowlers who can handle pressure against India.

Haris Rauf’s Choices Under Question

Haris Rauf has always been known for his speed, sometimes bowling over 150 km/h. But his career decisions are often questioned.

• He does not play Test cricket.

• He focuses mainly on T20 leagues worldwide.

• He avoids long-format matches that could help him improve control.

This has led to criticism that he only chases money and avoids hard work needed for long-term growth.

Pakistan’s Bowling Worries

Pakistan has a proud history of producing legendary fast bowlers—Imran Khan, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, and Wasim Akram. But in recent years:

• Injuries and inconsistency have hurt the pace attack.

• Shaheen Afridi is the main hope, while others like Rauf struggle for form.

• Against India, these weaknesses become very clear.

The big question is whether Pakistan should continue to rely on Haris Rauf against India, or find new bowlers who can step up.

The Problem of Haris Rauf vs India

The stats show a worrying trend:

• Rarely picks up key wickets against India.

• Consistently goes for big runs.

• Indian batters easily target his short-pitched deliveries.

For Pakistan fans, this has become a painful pattern: Haris Rauf against India is always expensive.

What Pakistan Can Do Next

Wasim Akram and other experts have suggested some solutions:

• Mandatory First-Class Cricket – All players should play some red-ball matches.

• Special Training – Bring in top bowling coaches to help players handle pressure.

• Smarter Captaincy – Don’t give high-pressure overs to bowlers out of form.

• New Talent – Give opportunities to fresh fast bowlers instead of repeating the same mistakes.

Haris Rauf’s Future

Haris Rauf is still one of the fastest bowlers in the world. His speed and yorkers make him dangerous in T20 cricket. But if he wants to succeed in big games, especially against India, he must:

• Improve control and consistency.

• Play red-ball cricket to build temperament.

• Show that he can handle pressure in finals and big tournaments.

Right now, the future looks uncertain. Will Pakistan continue with him, or look for new faces? Only time will tell.

The Asia Cup 2025 final will be remembered for India’s ninth title win. But in Pakistan, the big talking point is once again the poor performance of Haris Rauf against India.

• He gave away 50 runs in less than 4 overs.

• Wasim Akram called him a “run machine” and criticized his lack of red-ball cricket.

• Fans also lost patience, demanding change in the bowling attack.

If Haris Rauf wants to silence his critics, he must change his approach. Otherwise, every time Pakistan faces India, the story may remain the same.

References

• ESPN Cricinfo – Asia Cup 2025 Coverage

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