Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav addressed the hype surrounding Pakistan’s mystery spinner, Usman Tariq ahead of the India versus Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2026 clash. Responding to a Pakistani reporter who described the bowler’s unique style as being 'out of syllabus' for the Indian batters, Suryakumar acknowledged the challenge with a touch of humor. While he admitted that Tariq’s unconventional approach is rare, he struck a confident chord, stating that his team has prepared extensively and has no intention of being overwhelmed by the hype.
We can’t leave a question in exam because it is out of syllabus: Suryakumar Yadav on Usman Tariq
The intrigue surrounding Tariq stems from his distinctive round-arm delivery, a technique that is perfectly legal under ICC regulations but notoriously difficult to master. This style creates a flatter, skidding trajectory that makes it incredibly tough for batsmen to get underneath the ball and launch big shots. This physical advantage, combined with his consistency, has made him a 'rare commodity' in international cricket and a primary focal point for India’s tactical planning.
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Adding to the complexity is Tariq’s habit of pausing briefly during his follow-through, a move that has sparked heated debate on social media. While some critics view this hesitation as a "grey area" within the ICC's playing conditions, it remains a potent weapon for disrupting a batsman's rhythm. Despite the controversy and the technical hurdles Tariq presents, Suryakumar emphasised that the Indian camp is ready to face the mystery head-on rather than surrendering to the "out of syllabus" threat.
“Sometimes in an exam, you get a question out of the syllabus, but you can’t just skip it. You have to try something to tackle it and try something. Yes, he’s a different character, but at the same time, we can’t just surrender. We have practiced against bowlers with similar actions," Suryakumar said at the pre-match press conference.
All eyes on Usman Tariq
The anticipation surrounding Usman Tariq reached new heights following his standout performance against the USA, where he dismantled their batting lineup with a sharp three-wicket haul. His ability to stifle run-scoring while picking up key wickets has made him the primary 'trump card' for Pakistan. This success has intensified the pressure on India, especially as they look to navigate his unorthodox 'pause and sling' action in their upcoming high-stakes encounter.
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