Will Usman Tariq’s role model selection create controversy?: The India vs Pakistan 2026 T20 World Cup match is over. Pakistan has once again lost to its neighboring country by 61 runs. After this win, India extended its record against Pakistan in T20 World Cup editions to 8–1. After this defeat, Pakistan’s next match against Namibia could potentially be a knockout.
After the crushing defeat against India, Salman Ali Aga’s team has slipped to third place in the league table and its run rate has become negative. If Pakistan loses to Namibia, they will be out of the T20 World Cup group stage for two consecutive editions.
Usman Tariq shares the atmosphere in Pakistan’s dressing room before Namibia match
Before the match, mystery spinner Usman Tariq was present at the pre-match press conference as he shared his views on his role models, Pakistan’s poor performance and whether there is any pressure on the senior players after their poor performance.
Tariq made headlines due to his unique action and pausing before throwing the ball. He had the record of taking wickets in 24 consecutive matches for Pakistan, which no other bowler could achieve. In shocking words, Usman Tariq has chosen MS Dhoni as his idol.
There was a discussion between us that we will not repeat the mistakes in the match against India: Usman Tariq #T20WorldCup
– RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) 17 February 2026
Usman Tariq said in the press conference, “We had discussed that we will not repeat the mistakes in the match against India. Don’t think that Shaheen and Shadab are under pressure. Babar and Shaheen know how to get their form. There is no clarity yet about the team (playing eleven) (for the match against Namibia).”
Usman Tariq considers MS Dhoni as his idol
“MS Dhoni is my idol. The way the Indian batsmen played me, they were focused and determined not to give me wickets. I also stuck to my plans. I didn’t get many wickets, but I didn’t give away many runs either,” Tariq said.
MS Dhoni is my idol. I returned to cricket only because of MS Dhoni: Usman Tariq
– Pratyush Raj (@pratyush93_raj) 17 February 2026
Choosing MS Dhoni as his role model may create controversy in Pakistan, as he left many Pakistani cricketers choosing the former India captain. However, every cricketer has the right to choose his idol. MS Dhoni has been a role model for many cricketers around the world.
MS Dhoni the greatest Indian captain?
MS Dhoni has retired from international cricket, but continues to play franchise cricket IPL for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the age of 44. He rejected the idea that age is just a number and continued to showcase his cricketing talent. Dhoni has been one of the most successful IPL captains, winning five IPL trophies with CSK.
MS Dhoni is the only captain to win three ICC trophies in world cricket. They started with the T20 World Cup in 2007, then the 2011 ODI World Cup, and ended by winning the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy in England. Under his captaincy, India qualified for four finals and won three, losing to Sri Lanka in 2014.
Tariq will be back in action on Wednesday and will look to continue taking wickets in the next game to help Pakistan seal a place in the Super 8 stage.
Also read: World cricket united for Imran Khan: 14 captains put pressure on Pakistan government regarding jail conditions.