The boastful Hafeez claimed victory on the strength of Usman Tariq! So Suryakumar Yadav said – We do not even leave questions outside the syllabus.

New Delhi. Before the India-Pakistan match, the rhetoric among the players is at its peak. This time Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq is in the centre. There has been as much discussion on his action, his bowling and his potential impact as there has been on any one player for a long time. Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez believes that this noise in itself is a psychological victory and that too before the start of the match.

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Hafeez said, there is panic there.

While previewing the India-Pakistan match, Hafeez said that at this time the discussion is not about Babar or anyone else, but only about Tariq. According to him, this shows that there is uneasiness in the Indian camp. He said that if seen from cricket point of view, the hype created around Usman Tariq is a psychological victory for us. Right now no one is talking about Babar Azam or any other player. People are only talking about Usman Tariq. He has played only one or two matches, but imagine how much panic he has created in the Indian camp. They are specifically practicing against him.

One player, eyes of the whole world

Hafeez is also surprised by the fact that so much attention has rarely been given to one player. He said, ‘How many times have you seen so much discussion on just one player? The whole media, the whole hype, the whole world, everyone is not just thinking about the result of the match, but about what Usman Tariq will do tomorrow. Tariq has played only a few T20 matches for Pakistan, but his mysterious style has increased the curiosity manifold.

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message for captain huffy

Hafeez has clearly advised Pakistan captain Salman Agha to use Tariq for attack and not for defence. He believes that if he is fielded in an aggressive role, he can single-handedly change the course of the match. Hafeez said that now I want to see how many positive decisions the captain takes and how he uses Usman Tariq. If they are deployed defensively, nothing will work for Pakistan. You have to use them with an attacking mindset.

Sixth over can also be a chance

Hafeez also gave an interesting suggestion. He believes that the last over of the powerplay, i.e. the sixth over, is often very important for the bowling unit and the most effective bowler should be brought there only. Hafeez said, ‘The sixth over is very important. If Tariq is used in the attacking zone, he can make a huge impact. I am not saying that Abrar, Nawaz or Shadab will not make a difference, but at this moment all eyes are on Usman Tariq.

India’s answer ready?

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Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was also asked questions on Tariq in the press conference. He admitted in a light tone that at present it is a question outside the syllabus, but India will have the answer to it. Suryakumar’s message was clear, the challenge is new, but the preparation is also complete.

There is also a battle for mental edge before the match

The atmosphere being created before the match clearly shows that this is not just a clash of bat and ball. This is also a battle for mental edge. If India gets an early read on Tariq, the hype may fizzle out. But if the initial setbacks occur, the same discussion will double Pakistan’s confidence. However, before making its claim, Pakistan should not forget the fact that their team has always had spinners. Be it Saeed Ajmal or Saqlain Mushtaq or Abrar Ahmed, there was always the hype of the mystery spinner, but he could never overcome it except in one match in the World Cup against India. Pakistan’s performance in T20 against India has been very ordinary. In such a situation, it would not be surprising if India destroys another mystery of his.