Haris Rauf is reportedly facing distress due to the criticism he has received after Chief Selector Wahab Raiz’s comments about his withdrawal from the Australia tour. A close family source revealed that Haris is disheartened by the harsh criticism directed at the pacers during the World Cup campaign.

According to the source, Haris is upset with those who have unleashed undue criticism on the pacers, especially considering that some critics hardly have substantial knowledge about the game. Questions about his form and wicket-taking performance during the World Cup matches have added to his frustration.

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The source emphasized that for a fast bowler, mental fitness is crucial for performing in high-stakes cricket. Haris believes that he is not currently in the right state of mind, both physically and mentally, to play Test cricket, where a player needs to stay alert throughout all five days.

Reports suggest that Haris is considering prioritizing the shorter format of the game to prepare himself physically and mentally for Tests and other international commitments. The focus, at the moment, is on T20 cricket, and he anticipates participating in all formats in the coming months.

Despite Chief Selector Wahab Riaz’s initial announcement that Haris had given assurance to play Test cricket for the national team, his unexpected withdrawal at the last moment left him unavailable for the upcoming three-match series against Australia from December 14, 2023, to January 7, 2024.

Determined to make a strong comeback in Test cricket, Haris Rauf is currently in Karachi participating in the National T20 Championship to regain his peak physical and mental fitness. His commitment to returning to the longer format remains intact, albeit with a strategic focus on his immediate priorities in T20 cricket.