In the electrifying buildup to the 2026 T20 World Cup showdown between India and Pakistan, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has dismissed the growing hype surrounding Pakistan's Usman Tariq, insisting the off-spinner poses no significant threat to the Men in Blue. The marquee clash is set for Sunday, February 15, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with both teams riding high on two consecutive wins and poised to advance to the Super 8s.
Tariq's unusual bowling action, marked by a distinctive pause, has captured attention ahead of the high-stakes encounter. However, Ganguly, who also served as BCCI president, remained unfazed, categorizing him simply as a conventional off-spinner that India is well-equipped to handle.
"Nothing is difficult, he (Tariq) is an off-spinner and he just bowls with a pause. He is an out-an-out off-spinner and India will play him well," Ganguly stated in a video posted by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President.
Turning to team selection, Ganguly advocated for continuity in India's playing XI, resisting calls to bring in Kuldeep Yadav despite the spin-friendly conditions at the Colombo venue. He emphasized the need for batting depth and urged retention of Rinku Singh in the lineup.
"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 batting department as well. I feel the same team should be played," Ganguly advised.
India enters the fixture with an imposing record against Pakistan, having won eight consecutive matches across formats. In T20Is specifically, the head-to-head tally stands decisively at 13-3 in favor of the Men in Blue, adding extra intensity to what promises to be a fiercely contested battle.
