Ravichandran Ashwin debunks anti-Usman Tariq scheme but claims Indian batsmen lack courage

Indian batsmen’s recent struggles against spinners have only increased the tension surrounding Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq. However, Ravichandran Ashwin believes he has a solution to tackle spinner Tariq.

The match will be played at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, which offers the best spinning court in the subcontinent, and Pakistan, with five standout spinners, will be the heavyweights in the match against India.

“That pause is part of his normal action” – Ravichandran Ashwin on Usman Tariq’s pause

Several players have subsequently demanded a possible ban for Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq for a controversial bowling action. He is known to have a bend-arm, sling-arm, pause-and-deliver bowling action, which has made him an asset for them on the spin-friendly lanes in Colombo.

Taking to his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat’, legendary Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has clarified that the break in Usman Tariq’s bowling stride is well within the law as that is his established bowling action.

“If I have a normal bowling action, but suddenly pause and deliver the last ball in the over, that was declared illegal a few years ago because it goes against the natural rhythm of my bowling action. The umpire can warn me. For Tariq, the matter is different. That pause is part of his normal action,” he assured.

Ashwin hands India a ‘magic mantra’ to upset the Pakistan spinner

Ravichandran Ashwin has dropped the ideal way to counter the Pakistani off-spinner, who has been stunning for Pakistan in every match he has played in the shortest format of the game. He implemented a clever tactic and pointed out the loopholes in the rules of the game.

He explained that the batter has the right to pull away if Tariq pauses mid-step and complains that they could not predict the moment of release.

“There is one thing I want to see: who dares to do that? If Tariq pauses before the ball is delivered, the batter has the right to leave. The batter can say, ‘I don’t know when the ball is coming, so I left,'” he said.

“I doubt any of the Indian batsmen have what it takes to pull it off,” Ashwin said

Although he suggested that the Indian batters would adopt that tactic and it would force the umpire to warn the bowler. However, at the same time, he also admitted that he was not sure whether an Indian batsman would attempt such a move.

“That will be an interesting case and a huge headache for the umpire. Look, I am not against anyone. If I had been there, I would have done that. I would have done everything within the rules of the game,” Ashwin reflected. He also claimed that in such a situation, according to the history of the game, the umpire would choose to warn the bowler first.

“If the batter starts to pull away, imagine the pressure on Tariq. He may have to change his action mid-game. Pakistan’s trump card might turn out to be nothing,” Ravichandran Ashwin added, but also noted that the umpires could also ask the batsman to face it as it is part of their common move.

“But I doubt if any of the Indian batsmen have what it takes to pull it off. I’m not sure,” concluded Ravichandran Ashwin.

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