Ravichandran Ashwin and Usman Tariq

NEW DELHI: Spin great Ravichandran Ashwin has offered a fascinating tactical blueprint for India’s batters ahead of the high-voltage T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan, suggesting they use the rules smartly while facing the unconventional action of mystery spinner Usman Tariq. With Tariq’s stop-and-pause delivery already sparking debates across the cricketing world, Ashwin believes awareness and game intelligence could be the key to countering the off-spinner’s growing influence.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking on his YouTube show, Ashwin said batters have every right to step away from the crease if they feel unsure during Tariq’s delivery stride. “If he stops before delivering the ball, the batsman has the right to move away. He can say that ‘I thought he is stopping’. That will be an interesting case and a huge headache for the umpire,” Ashwin explained, highlighting how mental pressure could shift back onto the bowler.

The veteran spinner even admitted that he would personally use that tactic if he were in the middle. “If I was there I would have done it. One should do everything to win a game within rules. I would simply say I don’t know when he will release the ball and step away. If I move away, it is the umpire’s responsibility,” he added, suggesting such reactions could unsettle Tariq — a bowler he described as Pakistan’s potential “ace up their sleeves.”Tariq’s unusual side-arm action has divided opinions, with debates ranging from legality to effectiveness. While some critics have questioned whether the bowler exceeds the ICC’s 15-degree elbow flex limit, Ashwin urged caution before jumping to conclusions. According to him, judging elbow extension in real time is nearly impossible for on-field umpires, and the sport needs better technological support.

“There is a 15-degree rule, but to judge it live is impossible. The only solution is having a real-time in-competition testing tool,” Ashwin said, calling the issue a grey area and warning against unfair accusations.With Colombo’s slow conditions likely to assist spin, Ashwin’s strategic insight adds another intriguing layer to what promises to be a gripping India-Pakistan showdown.