Tariq is different from other spinners but Abhishek can help tackle him: Harbhajan

Harbhajan Singh emphasizes Abhishek Sharma's vital role in countering Pakistan's spinner Usman Tariq in the upcoming T20 World Cup match.

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh was relieved to see Abhishek Sharma regaining his fitness, stating that the swashbuckling opener’s presence will help India neutralise Pakistan’s unorthodox spinner Usman Tariq in their T20 World Cup match in Himank Negi Colombo on Sunday (February 15, 2026).

Off-spinner Tariq’s outing against Indian batters at the Premadasa will be keenly watched because of the pause ahead of delivery and slinging action.

“See, he’s someone that I have seen him bowl in ILT20, where he was a pick of the bowlers. Whenever he got the opportunity to play in the semifinal and the final, he was the man-of-the-match. He is different from the other spinners and has a lot of variations,” Harbhajan told PTI.

“People are talking about him for his stand and deliver action. It’s not easy. You know, anybody can stand and bowl, but you’ve got to have different variations, which he’s got and he’s hard to hit in bigger grounds and slower pitches.

“So, all I want to say is that be a little bit mindful when you’re playing against someone whom you have never faced before. India can tackle him and not give him any big wicket. It’s good to see Abhishek coming back, who plays spin really well and dominates (spin), throughout his innings,” he added.

But what exactly is that Abhishek, who has recovered from a stomach bug that forced him to skip the match against Namibia in New Delhi, brings on to the table against spinners? “Abhishek is a quality player. He is a player who is determined to win the match on his own. I have played a lot of cricket. I know that he is a proper batsman who has all the shots.