Pakistan's Haris Rauf has said that his team will take the game against India just like any other match.

There were concerns about the player's involvement in the opening clash after he sustained an injury during the first match of the ODI tri-nation series against the Blackcaps last week.

Recalling that moment, Rauf said that Kohli never teased him for hitting those sixes in his over and added that the former India captain is a world-class player who can take charge on any bowler in the world.

Pakistan will host a first major cricket tournament in almost three decades from Wednesday in a move hailed as a landmark just a few years after the country was off-limits because of security fears.

Pakistan are set to receive the services of a star player for their opening Champions Trophy 2025 match vs New Zealand, despite initial injury fears.

Haris Rauf sustained a muscular strain in his lower chest wall during the recent tri-sries tournament.

Pakistan face New Zealand in the opening match of the Champions Trophy at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.

Pakistan will host a major ICC event for the first time in nearly three decades, having last co-hosted the 1996 World Cup.

Pakistan have all but finalised their 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya recalled the two maximums slammed by stalwart batter Virat Kohli on the bowling of Pakistan's right-arm seamer Haris Rauf.