‘Rohit Asked Virat Which Way I Was Swinging the Ball’: Pakistan Pacer Awais Ahmad Shares Insights from India’s Net Session

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With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, Team India is in full preparation mode. Their campaign kicks off against Bangladesh on February 20, but the real challenge lies ahead when they take on co-hosts Pakistan on February 24. Known for their formidable fast-bowling attack, Pakistan’s pace battery has troubled many top batters in the past.

As India gears up for this highly anticipated clash, a Pakistan-born left-arm pacer, Awais Ahmad, went viral on social media after Indian skipper Rohit Sharma called him a ‘class bowler’ in a recent net session. Ahmad, who is currently playing domestic cricket in the UAE, had the rare opportunity to bowl to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during India’s practice session on February 17.

How Awais Ahmad Tested India’s Star Batters in the Nets

Ahmad, who tried to replicate the bowling style of Shaheen Shah Afridi, spoke about his experience bowling to the Indian batting duo. He recalled an interesting moment when Rohit Sharma had a discussion with Virat Kohli about his bowling.

“When I was bowling, Virat Bhai was at the crease. After one over, Rohit came up and asked him, ‘Which way is he swinging the ball?’ I heard Virat say that I was swinging it both ways. After that, he batted perfectly and didn’t make a single mistake in his shots,” Ahmad shared in an interview with Sports Today.

“After the session, Rohit Bhai appreciated my bowling. I tried to deceive him with yorkers, similar to how Shaheen Afridi bowls to him. Later, he joked that I was aiming for his foot—that comment gave me a lot of confidence,” Ahmad added.

The pacer’s ability to move the ball both ways and bowl sharp yorkers impressed both Virat and Rohit. His performance in the nets raised curiosity about his background and how he got the chance to bowl for Team India.

How Did Awais Ahmad Get the Opportunity to Bowl to India?

Awais Ahmad hails from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and was previously a part of the Lahore Qalandars squad in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021. However, he didn’t get the chance to make his PSL debut. Instead, he moved to the UAE, where he has been playing domestic cricket and improving his game.

The opportunity to bowl for the Indian team came when Mohit Raghav, who arranges net bowlers for India’s training sessions, invited him. Ahmad considers himself fortunate to have gotten this rare chance.

“Rohit Sharma was definitely practicing with the thought that India will face Pakistan soon. Every bowler dreams of meeting Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, but I was lucky enough to bowl to them. It was a special moment for me.”

“I wasn’t nervous when I bowled to them, but when I got the message from Mohit Bhai about the opportunity, I was both happy and anxious at the same time,” he added.

Bowlers like Awais Ahmad play a crucial role in India’s net sessions, helping the team prepare for the real challenges on match day. Considering how effective Shaheen Afridi has been against India in the past, facing a bowler who can replicate his style is a smart move for India’s batters.

India’s Aggressive Approach in the Nets

During the February 17 practice session, Indian batters showed their attacking intent. Reports suggest that nearly 200 sixes were hit, with several balls even landing on a neighboring ground. This highlights India’s strategy of preparing for an aggressive style of play in the upcoming tournament.

The focus on big-hitting is likely to counter Pakistan’s lethal fast bowlers and make use of batting-friendly conditions. Players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill were particularly dominant during the session, treating the net bowlers as they would in a match.

“The way the Indian batters were playing, you could see they were in full rhythm. They weren’t holding back at all. Every shot was played with proper intent,” an insider revealed.

India vs Pakistan: A Rivalry Like No Other

The upcoming India vs Pakistan match in the Champions Trophy 2025 is one of the most highly anticipated fixtures. Every time these two cricketing giants clash, it draws millions of viewers worldwide. The last few encounters between them have been thrilling, with both teams winning some and losing some.

For India, their key challenge will be handling Pakistan’s fast bowling attack, especially if Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf get early breakthroughs. Pakistan, on the other hand, will have to find ways to contain India’s strong batting lineup, which has been in top form.

Key factors that will decide the match:

  • India’s approach against Pakistan’s left-arm pacers
  • How Pakistan’s middle order performs under pressure
  • Impact of powerplay overs for both teams
  • Role of spinners in subcontinental conditions

As the match draws closer, both teams will fine-tune their game plans, making this a clash cricket fans simply cannot afford to miss.

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