Usman Tariq has mentally shattered India: Pakistan head coach makes explosive claim

Former Pakistan head coach Mohammad Hafeez said that Pakistan have an advantage over India ahead of the T20 World Cup clash. Hafeez stated that the growing discussion around spinner Usman Tariq has unsettled the Indian camp and handed Pakistan a psychological advantage even before a ball is bowled.

India are set to face Pakistan on Sunday, February 15, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Attention has turned to Tariq, with widespread discussion around his bowling action. The focus has been on his brief pause before release and the position of his elbow, adding extra intrigue to the build-up.

People are talking only about Usman Tariq - Ex-Pakistan head coach Mohammad Hafeez

Mohammad Hafeez stated that the discussion around Tariq has created pressure inside the Indian camp. He said that India are focusing heavily on Tariq and are even doing special practice sessions to prepare for his bowling.

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"If we go inside the cricketing aspect, the hype created around Usman Tariq is another psychological victory for us. Right now, no one is talking about Babar Azam or any other player," Hafeez said.

"People are talking only about Usman Tariq. He has played just one or two games for Pakistan, but just imagine the amount of panic he has created in the Indian camp. They are specifically practicing against him in their sessions."

They Are Not Only Thinking About the Match Result - Mohammad Hafeez

Hafeez pointed out that discussions are no longer just about the match result. He stated that this kind of spotlight on one player shows how much impact and pressure he has already created.

"How many times have you seen so much discussion about just one player? The entire media, the hype, the world — they are not only thinking about the match result, but about what Usman Tariq will do tomorrow," said Hafeez.

Both captains were asked about Tariq at the press conference before the match. Tariq has played only four T20Is for Pakistan but has already taken 11 wickets at an average of 7.90, with best figures of 4/18.

During the net session on Saturday, February 14, Suryakumar Yadav was seen bowling spin. He paused briefly before releasing the ball, closely copying Tariq’s action.

You Need an Attacking Mindset When You Use Tariq - Mohammad Hafeez

Mohammad Hafeez said that Tariq has the mindset to change a match for Pakistan. He added that Salman Ali Agha must use Tariq as an attacking weapon, as a defensive approach would reduce his impact, especially in key overs.

"Now I want to see how positively Salman Agha makes decisions as captain and how he uses Usman Tariq. If he uses him defensively, nothing will work for Pakistan. You need an attacking mindset when you use Tariq. It could even be the sixth over, which I believe is always a very important over for a bowling unit — usually bowled by your most impactful bowler."

"I want to see what planning they come up with regarding Usman Tariq, because if he is used in an attacking zone, I think he will be very impactful. I’m not saying that Abrar, Nawaz, or Shadab won’t make a difference, but right now, all the attention is on Usman Tariq," said Hafeez.

Also read: Mohsin Naqvi, Jay Shah set for high-voltage face-off during India vs Pakistan match