In a light-hearted moment ahead of the highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav entertained fans by mimicking the bowling action of Pakistan’s spinner Usman Tariq during a practice session. A video showcasing Yadav’s rendition, including Tariq’s signature pause before delivery, quickly gained traction on social media.
The Indian team faced a slight setback when light rain disrupted their training session in Colombo, forcing them to shift their practice indoors. Despite this, Suryakumar was keen to address the challenge posed by Tariq, known for his unique sidearm bowling style and delayed release, which can perplex batters. Although Tariq has only played four T20 matches for Pakistan, his unconventional action has made significant waves, especially leading up to the World Cup.
Interestingly, despite facing scrutiny in the past regarding his bowling action, the ICC has since cleared Tariq. His physical limitations, particularly issues with his elbows, prevent him from bowling with a fully straight arm typical of many spinners.
Ahead of the India-Pakistan showdown, Suryakumar metaphorically described facing Tariq as akin to encountering an unexpected question in an exam, emphasizing the importance of preparation. “Sometimes there is a question in the exam as well which is out of syllabus. So, we can’t leave that question,” he remarked. He further expressed India’s determination to craft a strategy to tackle Tariq’s unique style, stating that they would draw from their training with similar bowlers and focus on executing their practice in the match.
This playful yet strategic mindset reflects India’s commitment to tackling the challenges posed by their rivals, highlighting an approach that mixes both humor and seriousness in preparation for one of cricket’s most electrifying fixtures.