Watch: 'MS Dhoni's journey inspires me' – Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq reveals his admiration on Moeen Ali podcast

Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq has come under the spotlight in recent months because of scrutiny over his bowling action. However, the 31-year-old recently shared another side of his journey, revealing that former India captain MS Dhoni has been one of his biggest inspirations. Speaking on Moeen Ali's podcast, Tariq recalled how Dhoni's rise from humble beginnings motivated him to keep believing in his own dream.

Currently representing Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred 2026, Tariq spoke about the challenges he faced before making it as a professional cricketer. He revealed that he had moved to Dubai and worked as a salesman after stepping away from cricket. However, Dhoni's remarkable journey—from working as a ticket collector to becoming one of India's greatest captains—inspired him to return to the sport and chase his dream once again.

Tariq said Dhoni's story gave him the confidence to leave his job in Dubai and focus on cricket. The Pakistan spinner's comments have since gone viral, with many fans praising his honesty and admiration for the former India captain.

Watch the viral video here.

Usman Tariq opens up on MS Dhoni's influence during Moeen Ali's podcast

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has revealed that former India captain MS Dhoni is his biggest inspiration. Speaking on Moeen Ali's podcast, Tariq said Dhoni's journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of India's greatest captains has always motivated him. He said Dhoni's story showed him that hard work and determination can help anyone achieve their dreams.

Recalling Dhoni's journey, Tariq said, "MS Dhoni's journey inspires me the most. He went from living in a small railway quarter and working as a ticket collector to becoming India's captain. He sacrificed his job to chase his dream. His story makes me believe that if he could achieve it, why shouldn't I chase my dream of playing for my country?"

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Tariq also explained how Dhoni's life story encouraged him to return to cricket after working as a salesman in Dubai. "As for my inspiration, I came back to cricket after watching MS Dhoni. His story felt similar to mine because I was also working a job, and he was too. He created history, and I felt that if he could do it, maybe I could as well. But for that, I would have to work very hard. That's what inspired me to return to cricket," he said.

From Dubai salesman to Pakistan spinner — How Dhoni's story shaped Tariq's comeback

Usman Tariq's journey to international cricket has been far from ordinary. Born in Pakistan's Nowshera district, he moved to the United Arab Emirates at a young age and worked as a salesman for a purchasing company. During that period, cricket was no longer his priority as he focused on earning a living. Tariq has often said that his life reminded him of MS Dhoni, who worked as a ticket checker with the Indian Railways before dedicating himself fully to cricket and going on to become one of India's greatest captains.

Everything changed after Tariq watched M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, the biographical film based on Dhoni's life. Inspired by Dhoni's journey from a railway ticket checker to a World Cup-winning captain, Tariq decided to leave his job in Dubai and return to Pakistan to chase his childhood dream. 

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A friend later introduced him to Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, who helped him connect with coaches in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Former Pakistan cricketer Wajahatullah Wasti also guided him as he rebuilt his cricket career. His efforts paid off when he was picked by Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League in December 2023 before going on to play franchise cricket in other leagues.

Tariq's performances soon earned him a place in Pakistan's national team. He took 2/26 on his international debut and later claimed a hat-trick against Zimbabwe in a tri-series to win the Player of the Match award. The right-arm off-spinner is also known for his unique stop-start bowling action, which often disrupts a batter's timing. From working as a salesman in Dubai to representing Pakistan on the international stage, Tariq's comeback reflects the same belief that inspired him through MS Dhoni's remarkable journey.

Fans react to Usman Tariq's heartfelt admission about MS Dhoni

Usman Tariq's heartfelt comments about MS Dhoni quickly went viral on social media, with cricket fans from both India and Pakistan praising the Pakistan spinner for his honesty. Many admired the respect he showed towards the former India captain and appreciated how openly he spoke about Dhoni's influence on his cricket journey.

Several fans said Dhoni's story continues to inspire young cricketers around the world, regardless of nationality. Many pointed out that Dhoni's rise from working as a ticket checker in the Indian Railways to becoming one of cricket's greatest captains is a powerful example of hard work and determination. Fans also praised Tariq for following his own dream after leaving his job in Dubai to return to cricket. Here is how the netizens reacted:

The viral podcast clip has received thousands of reactions across social media platforms. Many users described the conversation as a reminder that sport goes beyond national borders and that great players can inspire people across countries. As the video continues to be shared online, fans have welcomed the mutual respect between Dhoni and Tariq's cricketing journeys.