Dubai: Pakistan spins Usman Tariq has revealed that a biographical film on former India captain MS Dhoni played a key role in motivating him to return to competitive cricket, years after stepping away from the game for a regular corporate job. The off-spinner shared his story ahead of Pakistan’s crucial T20 World Cup match against Namibia, saying the film deeply resonated with his own life journey.
Tariq has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most effective T20 bowlers since making his T20I debut in 2025. In just five international matches, he has picked up 12 wickets at an average of 9.25 and an economy rate of 5.94, quickly establishing himself as a dependable wicket-taking option in the shortest format. He has also made an impact in franchise leagues and has claimed four wickets in two matches so far in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
Film connection triggered return to cricket
Speaking at a pre-match media interaction, Tariq said he felt a personal connection while watching M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Storywhich portrays Dhoni’s journey from working as a ticket collector with Indian Railways to becoming one of India’s most successful cricket captains.
Tariq revealed that he too was employed outside cricket — working as a purchase coordinator at a real estate firm in Dubai — when he watched the film. The storyline of balancing work and sporting ambition struck a chord with him and pushed him to reconsider his own cricketing dreams.
He said Dhoni’s rise despite humble beginnings and a full-time job made him believe that a comeback was still possible with discipline and hard work. According to Tariq, the film did not just entertain him but gave him a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
He explained that after watching the film, he committed himself to structured training, fitness, and skill development, which eventually helped him return to competitive cricket and break into higher levels of the game.
Strong numbers since international debut
Since his debut in 2025, Tariq has built a reputation for accuracy, variation, and control under pressure. His economy rate below six runs per over in T20Is is considered exceptional in modern power-hitting conditions. Team analysts credit his success to his unusual release, subtle changes in pace, and disciplined lines.
In the current T20 World Cup edition, he has continued that form with four wickets in two outings, often bowling in pressure phases. His performances in global and domestic T20 leagues prior to his international break also helped him gain visibility among selectors.
Team management sources have described him as one of the breakout performers for Pakistan in the past year.
Honest assessment after India match
Tariq was also in focus during the high-voltage India–Pakistan clash, where much of the pre-match discussion centred on his bowling style and variations. However, he gave a measured and self-critical assessment of his own performance in that game.
He returned figures of one wicket for 24 runs, with Indian batters choosing a cautious approach against him and avoiding unnecessary risks. While the spell was controlled, Tariq said he felt he could have made a bigger impact.
He described the India–Pakistan fixture as a massive stage and admitted he viewed it as a major personal opportunity. While he tried his best, he said his execution was not at the level he expects from himself and expressed hope that he would deliver a stronger performance if he gets another chance in the marquee rivalry.
Focus on knockout push
Looking ahead, Tariq said the team’s larger objective remains reaching the T20 World Cup final and winning the trophy. He emphasised that individual performances matter, but the collective goal is the title.
He added that matches like the upcoming Namibia fixture are crucial for momentum and standings, and the squad is treating every remaining game as a must-win encounter. Team preparations, he said, are focused on discipline, role clarity, and handling pressure moments better.
Tariq’s journey — from a corporate employee to an international wicket-taker inspired by a cricket biopic — has added a human-interest dimension to Pakistan’s campaign and made him one of the most talked-about emerging bowlers of the tournament.
Conclusion
Tariq’s revelation highlights how sporting stories can influence real-life careers. Inspired by Dhoni’s journey on screen, the Pakistan spinner rebuilt his own path in cricket — and is now aiming to script a success story of his own on the world stage.
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