Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has revealed how MS Dhoni’s biopic inspired him to return to cricket ahead of the crucial match against Namibia. Tariq has been a revelation for Pakistan since his debut in the T20I format in 2025, picking up 12 wickets in five matches at an average of 9.25 and an economy rate of 5.94.
Tariq has made his mark in T20 leagues around the world and has four wickets in two matches so far in the T20 World Cup 2026. a crucial match for Namibiaspinner revealed that he felt a connection with the 2016 film based on Dhoni’s life as he worked as a purchasing coordinator in a real estate firm in Dubai. The former Indian captain worked as a ticket inspector in the Indian Railways before trying to make a mark in cricket, which was beautifully depicted in his biopic.
“As for my inspiration, I came back to cricket after watching MS Dhoni. His story was similar to mine because I was also working as a job and so was he. He made history and I felt that if he could do it, maybe I could do it. But I would have to work very hard for that. That’s what inspired me to come back to cricket,” said Tariq.
TARIQ READY FOR ANOTHER IND VS PAK CRASH
Ahead of the India vs Pakistan clash, most of the talk revolved around Tariq and his unique style of bowling. The spinner finished with figures of one for 24 as the Indian team carefully cut him off without taking any unwanted risks.
Tariq was critical of his own performance and felt he was not up to par against India and vowed to try to do much better if he plays in the next match against Pakistan’s arch-rivals.
“Yes, of course. I think the whole nation watched the Pakistan-India match and people all over the world watched it.”
“Honestly, I saw it as a big opportunity to push myself. I tried my best, but personally I feel I wasn’t as good as I should have been. Hopefully, if I get another chance, I will do much better than the last match,” said Tariq.
Spiner also said during the press conference that the team’s intention is to reach the T20 World Cup final and win the title.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Published on:
February 18, 2026