India wary of Usman Tariq as Suryakumar Yadav urges caution ahead of Pakistan clash: ‘Out of syllabus. Can't surrender’

Suryakumar Yadav pointed out Usman Tariq's threat in the India vs Pakistan clash, revealing that India's batters have been practising against similar bowlers.

Updated on: Feb 15, 2026, 08:57:02 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Up against Pakistan on Sunday, India will be the favourites. But the Indian batting hasn't been up to the mark in the opening two T20 World Cup games, and against spinner Usman Tariq, they face a huge challenge. Speaking ahead of the match, Suryakumar Yadav pointed out that his teammates can't take Tariq lightly.

Suryakumar Yadav spoke about Usman Tariq's threat.

Tariq has taken 11 wickets in four T20Is at an average of 7.90 and also has a four-fer. But his sidearm action has come under scrutiny, as he pauses before delivering the ball. There has been debate over its legality, and he has been accused of chucking.

Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on whether India players would shake hands with Pakistan in T20 World Cup

‘Out of syllabus’: Suryakumar Yadav

"See, sometimes there is a question in the exam as well, which is out of syllabus. So, we can't leave that question. To tackle that, you have to adopt your own way. Yes, he is a different character when he comes to bowl," he said.

The Indian skipper added that Indian batters have been practising with similar bowlers and similar actions. "But at the same time, we can't just surrender. We practise with similar types of bowlers and similar actions. We will try to execute what we are practising in the net sessions," he added.

In the past, Tariq has been reported for suspect bowling action in both PSL 2024 and 2025. His action results from a natural anatomical condition, and medical testing has cleared him. Last year, he also passed a PCB bowling assessment test at a biomechanics lab.

During the T20I series vs Australia before the World Cup, Tariq was accused of chucking by Cameron Green, who mimicked his round-arm action after getting out.

India had to defeat an inspired USA side in their opener, sealing a 29-run victory. Then they defeated Namibia by 93 runs in their next fixture in Delhi on Thursday. Pakistan began their campaign with a narrow three-wicket win vs the Netherlands, followed by a 32-run victory against the USA.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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