Colombo: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has described Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq as “a regular off-spinner,” playing down the growing attention around the bowler ahead of the India–Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup on February 15.
Tariq’s unconventional bowling action, marked by a noticeable pause before delivery, has sparked debate in cricketing circles. While some former players have defended the variation, others have raised questions about its legality, reigniting discussions around bowling actions.
‘He’s a Regular Off-Spinner’: Ganguly
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the England vs South Africa match, Ganguly dismissed concerns about Tariq posing a major challenge.
“No, facing him would not be difficult. He is a regular off-spinner. He just pauses a bit before bowling. Otherwise, he is an out-and-out off-spinner. India will play well,” Ganguly said.
The former skipper also refrained from making predictions about the outcome of the India–Pakistan contest.
“Making predictions in T20 cricket is difficult. India are a good team and will not be easy to defeat.”
India Likely to Retain Same Playing XI
Speculation has surrounded India’s team combination, particularly whether the spin-friendly conditions at the R Premadasa Stadium could prompt changes.
When asked if India might consider bringing Kuldeep Yadav into the lineup at the expense of Rinku Singh, Ganguly suggested continuity was more likely.
“I think the same team will play. I don’t think so, as there is also a question of maintaining batting balance.”
He highlighted India’s spin-bowling depth within the batting order.
“Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma are spin-bowling options in the top order. I think the same team will play against Pakistan.”
Confidence in India’s Batting Unit
Despite India’s unbeaten start to the tournament, the batting lineup has not consistently delivered as a collective unit.
Against early setbacks, captain Suryakumar Yadav rescued India from 77/6 to post a competitive total. In the subsequent match against Namibia, half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya anchored the innings.
Addressing concerns about batting consistency, Ganguly remained optimistic.
“In 20 overs, you need one or two batters to fire.”
Ganguly on India–Pakistan Cricketing Gap
Reflecting on the evolving dynamics of the rivalry, Ganguly noted the growing gap between the two sides.
“Pakistan have fallen behind in the quality of batsmanship. In our times, we had Inzamam, Saeed Anwar, Mohammad Yusuf and also the Wasim Akram and Waqar Younus duo. It was a different team.”
Recent tournaments have underscored India’s dominance, including multiple victories over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025.
Aaron Finch Backs Usman Tariq
Former Australia captain Aaron Finch offered a contrasting perspective, defending Tariq’s bowling action.
“As long as the arm is above horizontal, then I think it’s absolutely fair. The ability for players to evolve is important. As long as it’s within the law, then good on him for trying something different,” Finch said.
He added that he had no concerns about Tariq’s pause.
“The big pause in the action, I don’t have any issue with that. It’s part of the game that batters have to adapt to.”
Finch on Australia Squad Prospects
Finch also indicated that Steve Smith could be added to Australia’s squad, following the injury to Josh Hazlewood.
“I think he will be added to the squad. They’ve still got one spot available, and flexibility remains depending on injury recoveries and bowling performance.”
