As anticipation builds for the blockbuster India versus Pakistan showdown at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, India captain Suryakumar Yadav added a touch of theatre — and tactical brilliance — to the team’s training session in Colombo on Saturday evening.
With the defending champions gearing up for a crucial group-stage encounter, Suryakumar took it upon himself to recreate the bowling action of Pakistan’s emerging spin threat Usman Tariq. The move was not just playful imitation; it was a calculated attempt to help India’s batters adapt to Tariq’s unusual rhythm before stepping into the high-pressure clash.
Suryakumar Yadav copies Usman Tariq’s bowling action
Tariq has rapidly become a talking point in the Pakistan camp. Known for his distinctive stop-start delivery stride, the spinner disrupts a batter’s timing with subtle pauses and an unconventional approach to the crease. His quirky action, though legal, can create hesitation and force rushed decisions — a dangerous trait in the shortest format.
India’s think tank appears determined not to be caught off guard. During the nets session, Suryakumar mimicked Tariq’s staggered run-up and delayed release, drawing smiles from teammates but also sharp focus from the batters facing him. The intent was clear: eliminate the element of surprise.
The skipper’s hands-on involvement highlighted his proactive leadership style. Rather than leaving it to net bowlers alone, he stepped into the role himself, ensuring the practice closely mirrored what his team might experience on match day.
Here’s the video:
SKY ft. Usman Tariq.😜
Usman Tariq ಬೌಲಿಂಗ್ ಆ್ಯಕ್ಷನ್ ಟ್ವಿಸ್ಟ್: ಪಾಕ್ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಏನೋ ಪ್ಲಾನ್ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿದೆ! 🏏
📺 ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಿ | ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup 2026 | #INDvPAK | SUN, 15th FEB, 6 PM | ನಿಮ್ಮ Star Sports ಕನ್ನಡ & JioHotstar ನಲ್ಲಿ.#TeamIndia #SuryaKumarYadav pic.twitter.com/EfutOXBBe0
— Star Sports Kannada (@StarSportsKan) February 14, 2026
Abhishek Sharma’s focused duel in the nets
One of the most closely watched segments of the session featured opener Abhishek Sharma, who has been in sublime touch at the top of the order. Footage from the practice showed Abhishek repeatedly facing Suryakumar’s imitation of Tariq’s action, adjusting his trigger movements and working on picking the ball early.
The young left-hander has been instrumental in providing India explosive starts in the tournament. His ability to counter spin inside the powerplay could prove decisive, especially if Pakistan introduce Tariq early to disrupt the flow. The focused drill hinted at a potential key battle: Abhishek’s aggressive intent versus Tariq’s deceptive tempo. In contests between India and Pakistan, individual duels often shape the narrative — and this one could be pivotal.
