Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh hilariously stated that the batters must be in doubt if the ball will ever arrive when Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq is bowling. With India and Pakistan set for their much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo tomorrow (February 15), Tariq’s bowling action has become a hot topic of discussion.
The off-spinner is renowned for his prolonged pause before delivering the ball, sparking debate across social media about the legality of his action. Yet, Tariq was Pakistan’s star with the ball in their latest win over the USA with figures of 3/27 in four overs.
Talking about Usman Tariq’s bowling action on his Instagram handle, Ramesh said:
“He becomes a statue while bowling. People may think there is a problem in their television when he’s bowling because of the pause. Usually, with mystery spinners, there are doubts about which way the ball will turn. But when he’s bowling, there is a doubt if the ball will even come to the batter. Yet, I believe a batter like Hardik Pandya is going to smash him.”
Tariq is off to a sensational start in his T20I career, picking up 11 wickets in four matches at an average of under eight and an economy of 5.93.
“Pakistan fans hailing a six hit off Bumrah is evidence of Bumrah’s greatness” – Sadagoppan Ramesh on Sahibzada Farhan
Sadagoppan Ramesh believes too much has been made of Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan smashing ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah for a few sixes in the Asia Cup last year. Despite the Men in Blue defeating their arch-rivals in all three meetings, including the final, Farhan’s batting was a silver lining for the Pakistan fans.
The right-hander scored 155 runs across the three games at an average of over 51, including nine maximums.
“There has been too much buildup given in Pakistan for Sahibzada Farhan smashing Bumrah for a six in the Asia Cup. In a way, despite losing the match, Pakistan fans hailing a six hit off Bumrah is evidence of Bumrah’s greatness. Yet, just for all this, Bumrah should dismiss Farhan,” said Ramesh (via the aforementioned source).
He added:
“It was just an aberration because Bumrah isn’t just a bowler, he’s India’s ultimate trump card. Imagine if Indian fans hailed Tilak Varma for smashing a six of Haris Rauf even after a loss to Pakistan. Tilak himself will be embarrassed. After the USA game, Farhan spoke about playing India with the same mindset as they did in the Asia Cup. Did he forget Pakistan lost all three matches there?”
Farhan is off to an excellent start in the ongoing T20 World Cup, averaging 60 at a strike rate of 166.66.
Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran
