As the India versus Pakistan match approaches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav brought an interesting approach to the team’s training session in Colombo on Saturday evening.
With the defending champions preparing for this key group-stage match, Suryakumar decided to imitate the bowling action of Pakistan’s rising star Usman Tariq. This was not merely for fun; it was a strategic move to help India’s batters get familiar with Tariq’s unique bowling style before the important game.
Suryakumar Yadav imitates Usman Tariq’s bowling action
Tariq has gained attention in the Pakistan squad for his unusual delivery method. His stop-start run-up can disrupt a batter’s timing, causing brief pauses that lead to rushed shots — a risky factor in T20 matches.
India’s coaching staff seems eager to prepare their players thoroughly. During the practice session, Suryakumar mimicked Tariq’s unconventional run-up and release, adding a light-hearted touch while helping the batters focus. The goal was to minimize surprises on game day.
The captain’s hands-on approach showcased his proactive leadership. Instead of leaving the practice to net bowlers, he chose to step in, making the training session as close to the actual match conditions as possible.
Here’s the video:
