India’s next match is against Pakistan in the group stages of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup and their only concern is current spin bowling star Usman Tariq, who deserves criticism for his arm action but deserves the hype after enjoying huge success with the ball.

India got off to a winning start in the ICC T20 World Cup by defeating the United States and Namibia respectively. However, one thing that is common in both games is the vulnerability that the Indian batsmen exposed against the spinners.

Indian batsman Ishan Kishan scored a stunning 61 to help India survive the powerplay. He gave them a brilliant start and later Hardik Pandya’s half-century helped them add runs and overcome the collapse in the middle.

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Shreevats Goswami quotes differences between Gerhard Erasmus and Usman Tariq

After India’s loss to Gerhard Erasmus, several great players compared the Namibian skipper to Pakistan’s emerging spin bowling star Usman Tariq. They allegedly performed similar bowling maneuvers in a roundabout way.

Amid comparisons, former India wicketkeeper Shreevats Goswami feels that there is nothing in common between his action and that of the Pakistan spinner, except that they look similar.

He plotted the angles and showed that Usman Tariq’s release trajectory was very different from Gerhard Erasmus’s release trajectory. Furthermore, he reiterated that Tariq would pause briefly before delivering his speech; however, this was not the case with the Namibian skipper.

Goswami had earlier cited football penalty rules and claimed that such a pause in the run-up also should not have been allowed under the rules of cricket. However, the authorities have cleared the Pakistani spinner of any tossing charges.

Some have seen comparisons between Gerard Erasmus’ actions and those of Usman Tariq.
One without pause, one with pause
What I want to say is:-
May reason prevail. #WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/jER2gU3QMQ

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) February 12, 2026

Indian batsmen struggle with Erasmus spin

Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma looked in fine form as they directed the Indian innings and did not feel threatened by any spinners until the skipper came on to bowl. Gerhard Erasmus not only excelled in goalkeeping;

Erasmus picked four wickets in his spell, including the huge wicket of opener Ishan Kishan, brilliant batsman Tilak Varma, veteran Hardik Pandya and late Axar Patel.

While Erasmus offers a variety of variations, he also passes the ball in three different ways. He has a strong delivery and has an impressive wide-arm release, which tends to keep the ball low and cause overspin.

Indian batsmen view Erasmus spell as preparation against Pakistan spinners

India need something to prepare themselves for a big challenge from Pakistan, especially their enigmatic spinner Usman Tariq. Tarik also has a wide-arm release point and generates extra speed with his moves.

Several Indian batsmen showed absolute dominance against Erasmus as they felt that Erasmus might be the best preparation against Pakistan Tariq. Ishan Kishan says the preparations are done and now they just have to watch some more videos.

India have already lost eight wickets in the early stages of the ICC T20 World Cup, so they are under a lot of pressure to spin the ball. Apart from Tariq, Pakistan has four other spinners namely Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed and Syam Ayub.

Also read: Abhishek Sharma rules out India vs Pakistan match? Official medical announcement released