Watch: Suryakumar Yadav emulates Usman Tariq's peculiar bowling action in the practice session ahead of India vs Pakistan T20 WC clash

T20 World Cup 2026: Team India sweated out in the practice session ahead of the high-stakes T20 World Cup 2026 encounter against Pakistan, to be held on Sunday in Colombo. Possessing a 7-1 record in the head-to-head department, India will enter as the favourites again, but Pakistan have a trump card in the name of Usman Tariq, of which Suryakumar Yadav and Co. would have to remain wary of.

Considering the scenes that have broken out from India's practice session, it can be asserted that the Indian team is taking Tariq's threat seriously.

The Pakistani spinner has made considerable rounds lately due to his unconventional bowling action. Few have labelled him as a "chucker" for taking a little pause in his run-up before throwing the ball. Besides a peculiar action, he also possesses variations which have troubled batters in the PSL and in international cricket as well. It will be the first time India will face this mystery spinner, and fans could not wait to witness the outcome of it.

Suryakumar Yadav tries to mimic Usman Tariq's action

It is always a daunting task to come up against something new, and India have taken the steps to come prepared for Usman Tariq. A clip from India's net session has gone viral on social media, it shows captain Suryakumar Yadav trying to mimic Usman's bowling action to seemingly make his players accustomed to the pause they will encounter while facing the bowler at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.

Given the template Indian batters follow in the T20 format, it would not be a surprise if batsmen like Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma go after Tariq from ball one.

Keeping in view what transpired in the backdrop of the India vs Pakistan clash, the match could witness an extra bit of spice, potentially inducing unfrienldly aggression from both ends. However, the team that will keep aside the emotions and display a professional performance with both bat and ball will likely stand tall.

India will enter with a head-to-head psychological edge as the thought og going 8-1 down in the T20 World Cups could put pressure on Pakistan. It could also extract additional effort from the team. As for India, they will also carry pressure on the field as the burden of living up to the expectations of over one billion people could be overwhelming.

Both teams are currently on four points on the Group A table, but India are sitting above Pakistan owing to a superior net run rate. With the win, India could cement its place at the top, and so can Pakistan. Also, there are chances of rain hampering play. Hence, in case of a washout, points will be shared, and both teams will collect one point apiece.

Thus, with all to look forward to, let's see who happens in this intriguing battle between the fiercest rivals.