Pakistan’s Usman Tariq Reveals MS Dhoni as Inspiration Owing to Similar Life Experiences

Earlier today, Usman Tariq’s remarkable four-wicket haul against Namibia powered Pakistan into the 2026 T20 World Cup Super Eights.

Pakistan’s Usman Tariq Reveals MS Dhoni as Inspiration Owing to Similar Life Experiences

Usman Tariq called MS Dhoni as the inspiration behind his comeback to playing cricket. (via RevSportz)

In Short
  • Usman Tariq credits MS Dhoni's biopic as a key inspiration for his return to cricket.
  • The 28-year-old spinner has taken 16 wickets for Pakistan in T20I matches, showcasing his unique bowling style.
  • Tariq's journey parallels Dhoni's, as both faced challenges in their early careers before making significant comebacks.

Years after having retired from international cricket, MS Dhoni continues to inspire players. Most recently, Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq shared that the former Indian captain’s biopic motivated him to resume playing cricket, as he related to the experiences in the movie.

Usman Tariq has quickly become a key player for Pakistan’s T20I side, where his unique mystery spin has been effective at deceiving batters. Before making his international debut, the 28-year-old had to toil hard in T20 leagues as well as Pakistan’s domestic cricketing circuit. His career gained traction after a successful run with the Trinbago Knight Riders in the 2025 CPL. The right-arm spinner has since taken 16 wickets for Pakistan, at an average well below 10.

He was impressive during Pakistan’s tri-series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka last year, where Tariq became the fourth bowler from the country to take a T20I hat-trick. However, the 28-year-old’s redemption has been fraught with difficulties, with the spinner criticized for his unusual bowling action. Tariq has been accused of ‘chucking’ and ‘throwing’ the ball, in addition to being mocked by opposing players.

Unfazed, Usman Tariq has kept going, and he most recently, opened up about a surprising source of inspiration, which pushed him to make a comeback after having struggled early in his career. The 28-year-old credited MS Dhoni for his return, revealing that he could personally connect with the 44-year-old’s 2016 biopic. Tariq stated that he found Dhoni’s journey similar to his own, which motivated him to work hard, quit his previous job, and return to the game to make history. He told the reporters:

I came back to cricket after watching M.S. Dhoni. His story felt similar to mine because I was also working a job, and he was too. He created history, and I felt that if he could do it, maybe I could as well… That’s what inspired me to return to cricket.

The journey of the Pakistani spinner and the former Indian captain reveals deep parallels. While Dhoni worked as a railway ticket collector, the spinner moved to Dubai and worked multiple jobs, as a salesman, a purchase contractor, and in an automobile factory, to support his family. Crucially, after stepping away from the game, both men ultimately chose to return to playing cricket to turn into late bloomers.

Furthermore, just as Dhoni became famous for his unique brand of wicket-keeping and batting, Tariq has also gained recognition for his bowling action and his ability to pressure even the most aggressive batters. During the recent India-Pakistan clash, he finished with decent figures of 1/24.

Usman Tariq, Shadab Khan, and Abrar Ahmed: Key spinners set for action in revamped 2026 PSL

The 2026 Pakistan Super League season is likely to be dominated by spinners, primarily due to the national team prioritizing spin-heavy combinations. As PSL 2026 nears, players such as Usman Tariq, Shadab Khan, and Abrar Ahmed are expected to make a significant impact.

Usman Tariq PSL
Usman Tariq is expected be one of the biggest names in PSL 2026, given his recent surge. (via Indian Express)

During Pakistan’s 2026 T20 WC group-stage clash against India, they, in fact, bowled a staggering 18 overs of spin in a single innings. Usman Tariq has specifically stood out, and his performances in the format are expected to translate into a brilliant PSL season, where he is set to play for Quetta Gladiators. Others are Shadab Khan (Islamabad), Abrar Ahmed (Quetta), and Mohammad Nawaz (Sialkot).

The 2026 PSL season also marks the league’s expansion from six to eight franchises, part of Pakistan cricket’s broader plan to increase the tournament’s commercial value and put it on par with the IPL. With 2021 PSL champions Multan Sultans no longer a part of the upcoming edition, the PCB introduced three new franchises; Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen, Sialkot Stallions, and an unnamed Rawalpindi team.

Coming to the player signings, veteran Australian batter Steve Smith is the highest-paid player for the 2026 PSL season, with Sialkot having acquired him at a staggering $500,000 (PKR 14 crores). Saim Ayub is the highest-paid Pakistani player at $450,000 (PKR 12.6 crores), and will play for Hyderabad.

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