Sourav Ganguly brushed aside the growing buzz around Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq ahead of India’s high-voltage T20 World Cup clash in Colombo, speaking firmly at a tournament magazine launch on match day. With debate swirling around Tariq’s unusual action, Ganguly showed no sign of concern. He framed the contest as one India should control without fuss.
“Nothing is difficult,” Ganguly said. “He is an off-spinner and he just bowls with a pause.” He added, “He is an out-and-out off-spinner and India will play him well,” a line that cut straight through the hype.
The former BCCI president sounded unconvinced by claims that Tariq’s action brings mystery or danger. Analysts may argue over mechanics and legality, but the ICC has already cleared the action twice. Ganguly’s stance suggested that novelty fades quickly once bat meets ball.
Ganguly also nailed his colours to selection stability. “Axar [Patel], Varun [Chakravarthy], [Jasprit] Bumrah and Arshdeep [Singh] should be the frontline bowlers,” he said, stressing continuity over tinkering.
He pushed back against the idea of reshuffling the batting balance. “I don’t think Rinku should be replaced for Kuldeep, because you have to take care of the balance in batting department as well,” Ganguly added. “I feel the same team should be played.”
