Rauf complained of discomfort in his right flank and has been subsequently ruled out of bowling on the reserve day of the India-Pakistan Super Fours match in Colombo.

On September 10, the scheduled match day for the India-Pakistan game, Rauf had bowled five overs for 27 runs and no wickets. He has been the pick of the Pakistan bowlers in the Asia Cup so far, having taken nine wickets at an average of 13.33.

While scans have revealed no tear, this injury comes as a big setback for Pakistan, both in the immediate context of the ongoing match against India and the larger context of the Asia Cup and the World Cup.

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Speaking on Rauf’s injury and its impact on the game for Pakistan, Gautam Gambhir told the host broadcasters: “Again, it’s a huge test on Babar’s [Azam] captaincy. And this is going to help Babar grow as a leader as well.

“These things can happen, and the good part from Pakistan’s point of view is that they have gone in with four seamers. Imagine, had they gone in in this game with only three seamers, and then they’d have had to bowl a lot of spin, which India would have fancied their chances with.

“It’s bad news for Pakistan because Haris has been the pick of the bowlers in the tournament. He bowls in difficult situations, he bowls the tough overs. Bowling one-change in one-day cricket or bowling in the last 10 overs is the toughest job. How Babar will manage those five overs (Rauf’s remaining overs) and how India can take advantage of those five overs will decide how this game is going to pan out.”

Wasim Akram also spoke on Rauf: “He told me after eight-nine deliveries in his second over, he was feeling a little discomfort. He will take seven days’ rest, and the medical team will keep an eye on him.”

With less than a month to go for Pakistan’s first match in the ODI World Cup in India, they would hope that Rauf is able to rest and recover and get back to full bowling fitness in time.