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A short training-ground clip from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has quickly become one of the most discussed visuals ahead of the India-Pakistan showdown, showing players rehearsing against a bowling action designed to replicate Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq’s distinctive pause at the crease.
In the video, a net bowler briefly halts mid-stride before releasing the ball, simulating Tariq’s delivery method that disrupts a batter’s timing and length judgment. Coaches and analysts have increasingly focused on this variation, believing the unusual rhythm can create hesitation even among experienced international batters.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that his team has been preparing specifically for Tariq’s style. “Even in the exam, if a question comes out of the syllabus, we have to do it. You cannot leave it. He is a different character, but we cannot surrender to him. We have practiced and are very excited,” he said during pre-match media interactions.
Tariq has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most intriguing performers in the tournament, taking five wickets in his opening matches and building a strong early international record. His action, which includes a brief pause before delivery, has generated debate among fans and commentators, although biomechanical testing has cleared him under ICC regulations. Bowling legality is determined by elbow extension limits rather than visual appearance, and officials have confirmed that his technique falls within permitted guidelines.
The growing attention around the viral practice-net footage reflects the tactical importance teams now place on preparing for unconventional bowlers. Analysts say that in T20 cricket, where reaction time is often measured in fractions of a second, even a minor interruption in rhythm can significantly affect shot selection and scoring patterns.
A detailed report earlier highlighted how Tariq’s unusual delivery rhythm is shaping match strategies and psychological preparation ahead of one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures. As anticipation builds for the India-Pakistan clash, the viral training session offers a glimpse into the meticulous planning teams are undertaking to neutralize one of the competition’s most unpredictable bowling threats.
The widespread sharing of the nets video demonstrates how Tariq’s unconventional action is influencing preparation across teams, potentially making his overs a decisive tactical factor in upcoming high-pressure matches.
