MS Dhoni's Film Inspires Pakistan's Mystery Spinner Usman Tariq Ahead of India Clash
If online trolls are growing anxious about Pakistan's enigmatic slinger spinner Usman Tariq before India's high-stakes match against their arch-rivals, they can point the finger at MS Dhoni. The Indian cricket legend's biopic, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, served as the catalyst for Tariq's dramatic career shift, transforming him from a salesman in the UAE into Pakistan's emerging X-factor bowler.
From Salesman to Slinger: Tariq's Dhoni-Inspired Journey
Inspired by Dhoni's pivotal decision in the film to leave his job as a ticket-collector in Kharagpur and pursue cricket full-time, Tariq made a similar leap. He abandoned his job in Dubai, returned to Pakistan, and dedicated himself to honing his craft. His perseverance paid off with opportunities in franchise leagues worldwide, and as captain Salman Ali Agha noted, he has now become Pakistan's X-factor ahead of the crucial India-Pakistan encounter in the T20 World Cup.
The Unorthodox Action Causing Waves
Tariq's stop-start run-up and slinging delivery action have frustrated opposing teams, with IPL star Cameron Green recently struggling against him in an ODI series. After Tariq's impressive performance against the USA, where he took 3-27 and disrupted their chase, concerns have amplified. His role as the fulcrum of Pakistan's spin attack, which includes part-timer Saim Ayub, adds to the intrigue.
The traditionally slow Premadasa pitch in Colombo, where the India-Pakistan match is scheduled, exacerbates worries. Tariq's delivery is exceptionally slow through the air, often seeming like the ball might not reach the bat, forcing batters to generate all the momentum. The real challenge arises when he unexpectedly delivers a faster, turning ball, catching batters off guard.
Controversy and Support Surrounding Tariq's Action
Some voices in the cricket world allege that Tariq chucks the ball and should be barred from playing. However, he has found an unlikely ally in off-spin maestro R Ashwin, who publicly expressed support on social media platform X. Eminent batting coach and former India player WV Raman also defends Tariq, stating that with a round-arm action, chucking is very difficult.
It is the quirkiness of Tariq's action that is creating the problem. Batters are used to a rhythm where everything happens in one go. When suddenly there is a pause, you start thinking about what's going on, Raman told TOI. He added that Indian batters, accustomed to similar styles from players like Kedar Jadhav and Riyan Parag, should be capable of handling Tariq.
India's Spin Challenge and the Road Ahead
Over the coming days, discussions about Tariq will intensify. Indian players, renowned for their spin-playing abilities with specialists like Shivam Dube, will need to deploy all their skills. Pakistan's spin arsenal, including Mohammed Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Shadab Khan alongside Tariq, presents a formidable threat. As the T20 World Cup progresses, this Dhoni-inspired spinner's impact could be a defining storyline in one of cricket's most anticipated rivalries.
