Ashwin and Usman Tariq [Source: X]Often known as the mastermind of cricket, India veteran Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed a dangerous hack to counter the dangerous Usman Tariq on February 15. The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash is going to be the most anticipated contest of the year in cricket, and ahead of the game, experts and fans alike are troubled by the alleged ‘chucker’ from Pakistan’s side, Usman Tariq. Ashwin, who earlier voiced his support for Tariq on his official social media handle while getting into a verbal spar with ex-cricketer Shreevats Goswami, now stands for a unique yet legal opposition to tackle the ‘throwing’ and ‘pause and deliver’ action of the Pakistan spinner. R Ashwin Reveals Secret Trick To Counter Usman TariqAshwin is known to have utilised many tricks and hacks on the cricket field within legal limits, as he often exploited Mankading, which is legal in cricketing terms. Suggesting a counterattack for India batters who struggle against spin, Ashwin stitched together an ingenious idea. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said he wanted batters to move away from the wicket when Usman Tariq pauses and then call it out to cancel or make the delivery a ‘dead’ ball. “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. If I was there I would have done it. One should do everything to win a game within rules. I would simply say I don’t know when he will release the ball and I would step away. If I move away, it is the umpire’s responsibility,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. Tariq To Get Baffled In IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 Clash?The 30-year-old Tariq has made a strong impact in the four T20 Internationals he has played, claiming 11 wickets while maintaining an impressive economy rate of under six runs per over. Later, Ashwin explained why he is suggesting that batters move away, as it would add more excitement to the clash. “Imagine the pressure on Usman Tariq in the middle of the match. It would be an incredible joyride. He is the ace up their sleeves, imagine what he becomes if the batsman reacts like that,” Ashwin added. While fans remain divided over Usman Tariq’s ‘chucking’ or ‘slinging’ action, Ashwin’s earlier stance on Tariq appears baffling, as he had supported the bowler’s pause in his action. Ashwin's Defence Of Usman TariqTaking to his official social media handle, Ashwin was straightforward in defending Tariq’s action as per ICC rules. “While the batter can be allowed to switch hit or reverse without informing the umpire or bowler, after him/her commits to start batting on one side, why are the restrictions only limited to the bowler? In fact the bowler isn’t allowed to change the arm with which he/she bowls without informing the umpire! They should first change that rule.” Citing further ICC laws, Ashwin remained adamant in proving why Tariq’s action is justified under cricketing terms. Nevertheless, while the fight between Ravichandran Ashwin and Goswami remained confined to the internet, India will have to stitch together a serious plan against the lethal spinner, whom they are set to face on February 15 in Colombo.
