Controversial Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq will look to be the X-factor in the India vs Pakistan match in Colombo on February 15. Despite questions being raised over his bowling action, he has continued to play effectively for the national team.
Like other teams that have faced Pakistan in T20Is in recent times, the Indian batsmen may have overcome a hurdle named Usman Tariq. Since the bowler has received clearance from the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan captain Salman Ali Aga will look to utilize the bowler’s full quota of 4 overs.
Suryakumar Yadav copies Usman Tariq’s bowling action
Indian batsmen spent some extra time in the nets to prepare for the spinners. Ahead of the match, a video shared on social media platform ‘X’ shows how Abhishek Sharma is preparing to face Tariq.
In the nets, India captain Suryakumar Yadav was performing as a blower, imitating Tariq’s bowling action against Abhishek Sharma. It is now clearly visible in the video that Yadav is bowling like the controversial Pakistani spinner. After a short run-up, Suryakumar paused for a while and then released the ball.
In a recent video, former Indian international Ravichandran Ashwin focused on Tariq’s unusual bowling action. The former cricketer said that bowling action may be different, but the case of Usman Tariq is different. Ashwin also said that if the batsmen feel that the bowler has paused for some time before bowling the ball, then the batsman can appeal to the umpire.
Captain Surya is bowling like Usman Tariq…!!!
– Sky is giving important practice to Abhishek Sharma. pic.twitter.com/dZqGP26IT3
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 14 February 2026
Yadav told how he prepared himself to face the spinner
During the pre-match conference, for obvious reasons, the India captain was asked about the spinner. The Men in Blue leader said that sometimes a question may be in the question paper but not from the syllabus. But it is their duty to face every challenge, as they cannot leave anything untouched.
“Look, sometimes even in the exam there is a question which is outside the syllabus. So, we cannot leave that question out. You have to have your own way to deal with it. Yes, his character is different when he comes to bowl,” Yadav said in the press conference.
He also revealed that he is preparing to face Usman Tariq. They are preparing with the same type of bowlers and similar actions to keep themselves ready to face them during the match.
“But at the same time, we can’t give up. We practice with the same type of bowlers and the same action. We will try to implement what we are practicing in the next season,” he said.
Tariq’s recent bowling statistics
Usman Tariq has taken a total of 14 wickets in the last 5 matches, which is proof of how effectively he is bowling.
In those five matches, he took 5 wickets for the Pakistan cricket team – 2 against Australia and 3 against the United States.
read more: IND vs PAK Match 27 Preview: Free Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather Report, Head-to-Head, Playing XI | ICC T20 World Cup 2026
