After playing all three matches in the 50-over format, Dhir was added to the T20 squad in the eleventh hour, making it a dream fortnight. Three weeks ago, Naman Dhir was with the Punjab team preparing for the Ranji Trophy campaign when he learned he had been selected for the India ODI squad.
“It was a great feeling when I got the call. I was in the Ranji Trophy camp at the PCA. Match-ups and analytics have meant captains are reluctant to trust finger spinners, especially off-spinners, in T20s.
Operating as the fifth bowling option, Dhir’s figures of three for 31 on his T20 debut played a key role in India’s eight-wicket win over West Indies here.
Right away I called my father; he was emotional; I also got a little emotional,” said Dhir. On Tuesday, the all-rounder made his first real mark in international cricket, albeit in a facet of his game few have seen.
While he has made his name through his batting in the IPL for Mumbai Indians, Dhir revealed that he has always worked on his bowling. “I’ve been bowling for a long time. It’s not like I’ve just started. In IPL, yes, there’s an Impact Player rule, so you see me bowling less. But it’s not like I haven’t bowled; I’ve bowled a lot and got wickets.
“I hope I’ll keep doing well in the future,” said Dhir.