Sourav Ganguly expresses confidence ahead of the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clash, downplays the threat of Usman Tariq, and backs an unchanged Indian playing XI for the Colombo encounter.
IND vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026: 'Just an off-spinner': Sourav Ganguly Dismisses Usman Tariq Threat Ahead Of India vs Pakistan Clash | Image Source - AFP
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has shared his thoughts ahead of the high-voltage T20 World Cup 2026 clash between India and Pakistan, and he has backed Team India to continue with their dominant run.
The Indian cricket team is all set to play against Pakistan in a Group A match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo on Sunday. The game will be played at R Premadasa Stadium, a venue which is known to favour spinners. Considering this aspect, Usman Tariq has become one of the most talked-about players ahead of the thrilling match.
There has been a lot of buzz around Usman Tariq’s controversial bowling action. The 28-year-old spinner has already taken 11 wickets in just four T20Is. This will be the first time that Usman Tariq will bowl against the Men in Blue.
Despite all the chatter around Usman, the former BCCI President doesn’t see him as a major threat to the Suryakumar Yadav-led side. Speaking at an event, Sourav Ganguly, the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), said, "Nothing is difficult, he (Tariq) is an off-spinner and he just bowls with a pause. He is an out-an-out off-spinner and India will play him well.”
Further, Sourav Gangular also spoke about India’s possible team combination for the big match. As per him, there is no need to change a winning formula.
"Axar (Patel), Varun (Chakravarthy), (Jasprit) Bumrah and Arshdeep (Singh) should be the frontline bowlers. I don't think Rinku (Singh) should be replaced for Kuldeep (Yadav), because you have to take care of the balance in batting department as well. I feel the same team should be played."
Expressing confidence in the Indian side, Ganguly added, "India will play well."
During the event, Sourav Ganguly was also asked about the Indian opener Abhishek Sharma, who was recently hospitalised with a stomach infection. Talking about him, Ganguly stressed that cricket is not about one individual but about the team. He said, "One individual doesn't matter.”
Sourav Ganguly also made a big claim that the current Pakistan side doesn’t match the quality of some legendary names from the past.
ALSO READ: PSG Shocked by Resurgent Rennes, Lens Poised to Challenge for Ligue 1 Lead
