Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has been the major topic of discussions in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Usman Tariq’s unusual bowling action, with a clear pause before release, has created a huge buzz among the fans and cricket fraternity across the world.
Sourav Ganguly backs Indian batters to tackle Usman Tariq easily
Many believe that Usman Tariq could trouble India on the turning track at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15. But former India captain Sourav Ganguly is not impressed by the hype.
The former BCCI president has cooled down the noise around Tariq. The legendary cricketer believes that the spinner is simply an off-spinner with a different style, and Indian batters have faced far tougher bowlers, so they won’t have to bother much.
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Ganguly feels there is nothing mysterious about Usman Tariq and expects Indian players to handle him comfortably.
Sourav Ganguly said in a video posted by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President, “Nothing is difficult; he (Tariq) is an off-spinner, and he just bowls with a pause. He is an out-and-out off-spinner, and India will play him well.”
Sourav Ganguly backs the same XI despite spin fear in Colombo
Meanwhile, there are demands for changes in India’s playing XI because of Colombo’s spin-friendly pitch, but Ganguly wants no experiments. The former Indian captain has backed the same combination to continue in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
Many cricket experts called for bringing in Kuldeep Yadav for extra spin support since the Colombo pitch is expected to offer a lot of turn, but Ganguly believes removing Rinku Singh could weaken India’s batting depth. He feels team balance is more important than panic selection.
Bumrah said, “Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh should be the frontline bowlers. I don’t think Rinku Singh should be replaced for Kuldeep Yadav, because you have to take care of the balance in the batting department as well. I feel the same team should be played.”
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India lead rivalry 13-3 against Pakistan
Both teams enter the India vs Pakistan match with winning momentum. India and Pakistan have won their first two games and are almost through to the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
However, history backs the Men in Blue, who have beaten Pakistan eight times in a row across formats. In T20Is, India dominates the rivalry with a massive 13-3 head-to-head record.
Heavy showers to decide India vs Pakistan fate
Meanwhile, the big match at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium faces a serious rain threat. Weather reports show a huge 94% chance of rain on Sunday. Sri Lanka’s weather department has also warned about a low-pressure area forming over the southeastern Bay of Bengal.
This system can bring heavy showers to the city. If that happens, the match will be heavily interrupted. There is no reserve day for this game. So, if rain washes it out completely, both teams will share points. That will eventually make both teams eligible for the next round on Sunday itself.