Usman Tariq dumps Pakistan greats, bows to MS Dhoni for this reason after IND vs PAK clash

Usman Tariq's role model selection to create controversy?: The India vs Pakistan 2026 T20 World Cup match has been over. Pakistan has yet again been defeated by their neighbouring countries by 61 runs. After this win, India extended their record to 8-1 against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup editions. After this loss, Pakistan’s next game against Namibia has potentially been a knockout.

After the thumping defeat against India, Salman Ali Agha’s side has slipped down to the third position in the league table, with their run rate being negative. If Pakistan loses against Namibia, they will be knocked out of the T20 World Cup group stages in two consecutive editions.

Usman Tariq shares Pakistan's dressing room atmosphere ahead of Namibia game

Ahead of the match, mystery spinner Usman Tariq was present in the pre-match press conference, as he shared his views on his role model, Pakistan’s poor performance, and whether there is any pressure on the senior players after their poor performances.

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Tariq made headlines for his unique action and the pause he makes before delivering the ball. He had the record of picking wickets in 24 consecutive games for Pakistan, which no other bowlers have ever achieved. In shocking terms, Usman Tariq has picked MS Dhoni as his role model.

We had that conversations that we will not repeat the mistakes of the India game: Usman Tariq #T20WorldCup

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) February 17, 2026

Usman Tariq said in the press conference, “We had those conversations that we will not repeat the mistakes of the India game. Don't think Shaheen and Shadab are under pressure. Babar and Shaheen know how to regain their form. There's no clarity about the team (playing XI) yet (for the game against Namibia).”

Usman Tariq picks MS Dhoni as his role model

Tariq said, “MS Dhoni is my role model. The way the Indian batsmen played me, they were focused, and they were sort of determined not to give me a wicket. I also stuck to my plans. I didn't get too many wickets, but didn't concede too many runs either.”

MS Dhoni is my role model. I returned to cricket only because of MS Dhoni: Usman Tariq

— Pratyush Raj (@pratyush93_raj) February 17, 2026

Picking MS Dhoni as his role model could create controversy in Pakistan, as he dumped many Pakistan cricketers to pick the former India captain. However, every cricketer has the right to pick his or her role model. MS Dhoni has been a role model for many cricketers across the world.

MS Dhoni the greatest Indian captain?

MS Dhoni has retired from international cricket, but continues to play franchise cricket IPL for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the age of 44. He defied the idea that age is just a number and continued to showcase his cricketing prowess. Dhoni has been one of the most successful captains in IPL, winning five IPL trophies with CSK.

MS Dhoni is the only captain in world cricket to win the three ICC trophies. He started with the T20 World Cup in 2007, then the 2011 ODI World Cup, and finished off winning the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy in England. Under his captaincy, India has qualified for four finals and won three, losing out to Sri Lanka in 2014.

Tariq will be back in action on Wednesday, and he would like to keep picking up wickets in the next game in order to help Pakistan secure a place in the Super 8 stages.

Also Read: World Cricket unites for Imran Khan: 14 captains pressure Pakistan government over prison conditions