Photo via The Times of India

'Naman Dhir has finished him': World Cup winner's big statement on star's T20I future

India’s T20I series against the West Indies saw a breakthrough from 25-year-old all-rounder Naman Dhir, whose unexpected bowling performance has sparked a debate over Washington Sundar’s future in white-ball cricket. Dhir, primarily known for his batting in the IPL, took 3/31 in his debut spell and helped India restrict the West Indies to 171 runs.

Despite scoring 318 runs in IPL 2026 without bowling a single over, Dhir’s international debut showcased his versatility, bowling a full four-over stint with tactical adjustments—slowing his pace after facing heavy hitting—to prove his worth as a T20 specialist. Former World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth praised Dhir’s adaptability, calling him a ‘thinking cricketer’ and suggesting his emergence could limit Sundar’s opportunities in ODIs and T20Is, given Sundar’s recurring injury issues.

Srikkanth also criticized the IPL’s Impact Player rule, arguing it stifles the development of genuine all-rounders like Dhir, who has limited bowling experience in the league but showed potential with his debut performance. Dhir himself clarified that bowling has long been part of his game, though IPL restrictions have limited his exposure.

With selectors now faced with a tough choice, Dhir’s early success could redefine India’s white-ball strategy.

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'Naman Dhir has finished Washington Sundar' - Kris Srikkanth after all-rounder's T20I debut