Watch: Pakistan effect – Suryakumar Yadav bowls like Usman Tariq in team practice

COLOMBO: Ahead of the high-stakes India-Pakistan match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has grabbed headlines for an unusual reason – bowling in the style of Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq during a team practice session.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows Yadav turning spinner to mimic Tariq’s unique bowling action while making his own batters practice against it. Indian batters were seen facing deliveries in Tariq’s style, as the team prepared to tackle the nerves of the Pakistani spinner in the tournament match.

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Speaking during a press conference, Yadav commented on Tariq’s style, saying, “Look, sometimes a question comes in the exam that is outside the syllabus, but we cannot leave this question out. To answer such a question, you have to work a little harder on your own, and we are trying the same.”

The ICC has launched a major global campaign to make the T20 World Cup 2026 the most accessible cricket event in history, with matches streaming on ICC.tv in over 80 regions and select matches broadcast live on YouTube. Commentary is available in multiple languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Japanese, and Bahasa, while fan parks and activations in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Dubai are enhancing global fan engagement.

This creative practice session reflects India’s efforts to adapt to Tariq’s spin threat and underscores the increasing tactical depth teams are bringing to the T20 format. Fans worldwide are now eagerly anticipating the clash, which promises high drama both on and off the field.