R Ashwin’s ‘Masterplan’ to Counter Unusual Bowling of Usman Tariq Goes Viral

R Ashwin backed Usman Tariq's bowling action, stating that official ICC tests, rather than public opinion, should determine legality of his delivery.

R Ashwin’s ‘Masterplan’ to Counter Unusual Bowling of Usman Tariq Goes Viral

R Ashwin suggested a 'masterplan' for Indian batters to face Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq. (via NDTV Sports)

In Short
  • R Ashwin proposed a strategy for Indian batters to counter Usman Tariq's unconventional bowling action.
  • Usman Tariq's bowling has faced scrutiny for its legality, with accusations of 'chucking' from some players.
  • Anil Chaudhary criticized Ashwin's tactic, stating it could lead to penalties for batters if deemed time-wasting.

Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq‘s unconventional bowling action has stirred a debate among former Indian cricketers. Interestingly, R Ashwin proposed a decisive strategy for Indian batters to use against the spinner during their 2026 T20 World Cup match against Pakistan.

The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the 2026 T20 World Cup is set to go ahead as planned, despite the PCB’s announcement of a boycott. After a series of negotiations with the ICC, Pakistan finally reversed its boycott decision this week. While the uncertainty seems to have ended, a new controversy has arisen concerning the legality of Pakistan’s spinner Usman Tariq‘s bowling action.

India may have started the T20 WC with two straight wins against the USA and Namibia, but the batters’ struggles against spin have been noticeable. This is where the 28-year-old mystery spinner steps in, with his most dangerous weapon being a brief pause in his delivery stride. He stops for a fraction of a second before releasing the ball diagonally, delivering a mix of sharp carrom balls and drifters to deceive batters. 

Usman Tariq has been under the scanner for his unusual bowling action, which also appears to involve a degree of arm bending. While the spinner has clarified that the bend is natural, he has been accused by many, including Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, of ‘chucking’.

Former Indian spinner R Ashwin, on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, recently floated a clever plan for the Indian batters to use while facing the Pakistani spinner at the T20 WC.

R Ashwin suggested that whenever Usman Tariq pauses in his stride, the Indian batters should respond by stepping away from the stumps. Ashwin argued that a batter is fully entitled to step back and tell the umpire they are unsure when the bowler will release the ball.

The 39-year-old suggested that this action would compel the umpires to warn the bowler for the discrepancy. He added that this tactic could potentially disrupt Tariq’s rhythm, forcing him to alter his approach.

If [Usman] Tariq pauses before delivery, the batter has the right to move away. The batter can say, ‘I don’t know when the ball is coming, so I moved away… If the batter starts withdrawing, imagine the pressure on Tariq.

Despite proposing a unique counter-tactic, R Ashwin remains one of the few voices defending the 28-year-old Pakistani spinner’s action. Both he and former ICC umpire Anil Chaudhary have maintained that the pause in Usman Tariq’s bowling action is a consistent one.

Anil Chaudhary shares his view on R Ashwin’s ‘Masterplan’ to neutralize Usman Tariq’s spin

Former Indian cricket umpire Anil Chaudhary, who had previously confirmed the legality of Usman Tariq’s bowling action, has now shared his opinion on R Ashwin’s plan. Ashwin has proposed that Indian batters counter Tariq by ‘pulling away’ during their T20 World Cup match against Pakistan.

Anil Chaudhary on Ashwin strategy Usman Tariq
Anil Chaudhary pointed out the fallacies in R Ashwin’s strategy for the Indian batter to counter Usman Tariq. (via Inside Sport)

Usman Tariq was given a clean chit by Chaudhary, who is a former ICC umpire, despite ‘chucking’ and ‘throwing’ allegations against the 28-year-old Pakistani spinner. Chaudhary had even stated that Tariq’s arm does not bend beyond the existing 15-degree ICC limit at the point of ball release. He has now come strongly on Ashwin’s suggestion, stating that the ‘pulling away’ tactic might not be favorable.

Speaking to Jatin Sapru, Chaudhary suggested that Ashwin’s plan relied upon the assumption that the umpires would penalize Tariq if the batter complained. He, however, noted that the on-field umpires would be forced to review the action thereafter. Chaudhary stated that if the umpires determine there is no issue with the bowler’s stride, the batter could be penalized for time-wasting or obstructing the game.

If the batter pulls out again and again, then the umpires will intervene and ask the batter to not do it otherwise they would themselves be booked for wasting time.

Tariq has caused trouble in the 2026 T20 World Cup so far, having scalped three wickets in just one appearance so far. After missing out on Pakistan’s first group-stage fixture against the Netherlands, he finished with figures of 3/27 against the USA.

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