‘Out of Syllabus Question’: India A Skipper Tilak Varma on Pakistan Spinner Usman Tariq
AL AMERAT, Oman – India A captain Tilak Varma has acknowledged the unique challenge posed by Pakistan A (Shaheens) mystery spinner Usman Tariq ahead of their highly anticipated clash in the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024. Varma characterized the spinner’s unorthodox delivery stride as an “out of syllabus question,” emphasizing the need for quick adaptation on the field.
Analyzing the Mystery Factor
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Varma addressed the chatter surrounding Tariq, whose bowling action involves a distinct pause before delivery—a technique that has previously generated headlines in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). While acknowledging the novelty of the action, Varma insisted the team remains focused on their own preparation rather than the bowler’s legality or style.
“See, sometimes there is a question in the exam which is out of syllabus. So, we can’t leave that question. To tackle that, you have to adopt your own way,” Varma said. “Yes, he is a different character when he comes to bowl. But at the same time, we can’t just surrender. We practice with similar types of bowlers and similar actions. We will try to execute what we are practicing in the net sessions.”
Tournament Context and Preparation
The India A squad enters the tournament looking to capitalize on the conditions at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground. Unlike the bouncy tracks often seen in T20 leagues, the pitches in Oman are expected to assist spinners, adding weight to the battle between India’s batters and Pakistan’s slow bowlers.
Key Match Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 |
| Venue | Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Oman |
| Key Match-up | India A Batting vs. Pakistan A Spin Attack |
| Pakistan A Spinner | Usman Tariq (Right-arm Off-break) |
Handling the Pressure of the Rivalry
Matches between India and Pakistan, at any level, carry significant weight. Varma, who has represented the senior Indian side in T20Is, highlighted the mental aspect of the game. He dismissed concerns about early tournament jitters, focusing instead on the “beauty of T20 cricket” where individual brilliance can turn a game.
“Yes, there will be pressure. There will be nerves, butterflies in the stomach when we start the game. But if there’s no pressure, no nerves, then there’s no fun to play cricket,” Varma remarked. “At the end of the day, it’s just another game. You have to pack your skills, play some good cricket, and focus on what you want to do better.”
While Pakistan A features several players with PSL experience, including Tariq, Varma expressed confidence in his team’s familiarity with sub-continental conditions. “We know how the pitch plays; conditions are similar to India. It is definitely challenging, but you have to challenge yourself, somehow find a solution, and come out good.”
The Emerging Teams Asia Cup serves as a vital platform for the next generation of cricketers from Asian nations to stake their claim for senior team selection.