How India Plans to Neutralize Usman Tariq: Ishan Kishan on Keeping It Simple

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Defending champions India are leaving nothing to chance as they prepare for the high-octane T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan this Sunday, 15 February. While fans and analysts are fixated on Pakistan's ‘X-factor’ spinner Usman Tariq, the Indian camp has adopted a calculated, ‘business as usual’ approach.

Following a dominant 93-run victory over Namibia, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan signaled that India has already completed its homework on Tariq’s controversial sidearm action. By paying close attention to their recent match against Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus, the Men in Blue believe they have neutralized the mystery before the first ball is even bowled in Colombo.

Mastering the Mystery in Colombo

Usman Tariq is famous for his eccentric bowling action. He has a ‘stop-start’ run-up that looks like a soccer player taking a penalty. He also releases the ball from a very low, sidearm angle, making it difficult for strikers to time their swings. India wants to make sure they do not fall into this trap.

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Ishan Kishan says the team is focusing on keeping their minds clear. "I think we’ve already done the preparation part. Now it’s just about watching the ball and playing our natural game," Kishan stated during a post-match press conference, as reported by NDTV. He further added, "At this level, we watch a few videos and get an idea of the kind of bowling we'll face. We're just keeping it simple."

The Indian players also recently faced Gerhard Erasmus from Namibia, who bowls with a sidearm style. This gave India a chance to practice against a low-ball path. They now feel ready for the slow pitches at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

The Ashwin Strategy

The Indian team says they will just watch the ball, but Ravichandran Ashwin has a different idea. He thinks India can use cricket rules to pressure Tariq. Tariq pauses right before he throws the ball. Ashwin says this pause is a weakness. If a batter moves away when the bowler stops, it can ruin the bowler's rhythm. This could make the game difficult for Tariq and the umpires.

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"If he stops before delivering the ball, the batsman has the right to move away. He can say that 'I thought he is stopping.' That will be an interesting case and a huge headache for the umpire," Ashwin explained on his YouTube channel, 'Ash Ki Baat," as noted by The Tribune. "Imagine the pressure on Usman Tariq in the middle of the match... if the batsman reacts like that."

This plan is a massive ‘Value-Add’ for the Indian team. They do not have to just sit and wait. By stepping away, they can break Tariq's focus and might even force Tariq to change how he bowls entirely. This would take away Pakistan's biggest advantage.