Riyadh : Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav took charge of preparations during an intense nets session on Saturday as defending champions India geared up for their crucial group-stage encounter against Pakistan in Colombo.
With anticipation building ahead of the high-profile fixture, much of the discussion has centred on Pakistan’s emerging mystery spinner, Usman Tariq.
The 28-year-old has attracted attention for his unusual stop-start bowling action, which has unsettled batters in the T20 format.
Aware of the unique challenge, Suryakumar was seen copying Tariq’s distinctive pause in his bowling action during practice. The move was aimed at helping Indian batters adjust to the spinner’s unconventional rhythm before match day.
Addressing the media ahead of the contest, Suryakumar responded in his trademark witty style when asked about tackling the unfamiliar threat.
“If you get an out-of-syllabus question in the exams, you don’t leave it; you try to answer that. That’s what we will look to do,” he said.
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Tariq has made a strong impression early in his international career, claiming 11 wickets in just four T20 Internationals while maintaining an economy rate of under six runs per over. His action and effectiveness have sparked widespread debate in cricketing circles.
India will take on Pakistan in their third group-stage match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday, February 15.
Both sides are aiming to consolidate their positions in the tournament standings in what is expected to be another closely contested chapter in their storied rivalry.
