Former Indian batter and analyst Mohammad Kaif reckoned that the all-rounder Naman Dhir has ticked all the boxes in the batting department, while he needs to get more opportunities to prove himself with the ball.
Notably, Kaif’s comments came right after India’s home T20I series against the West Indies. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Kaif asserted that the Mumbai Indians (MI) think tank should back the all-rounder with the ball in the forthcoming IPL 2027 season.
“I think he has shown his skill with the bat, the graph is going up in that regard. Whenever he comes to bat for the Mumbai Indians, he makes a crucial contribution and also plays match-winning innings. So, I believe that he is doing his job with the bat. Because there is the impact player rule, players like him don’t get the chance with the ball, and the ball does not always turn at the Wankhede. Also, they already have an option available in Will Jacks,” Mohammad Kaif said.
“But if he can bowl with control on flat pitches like he has done this series, the Mumbai Indians ownership will be thinking that he can bowl as well, so we should back him by bowling in the nets and in practice. We don’t have the luxury of someone who can finish the innings, and give 5-6 overs of off-spin. If he bowls more, he will develop,” Kaif added.
Notably, Dhir scored 24 off six balls with a four and three sixes off Keemo Paul and Shamar Springer in the fifth and final T20I in Bengaluru that ended in a no result. He featured in all five T20Is against West Indies, picking five wickets at an average of 22.80 and scoring 38 runs at a strike rate of 292.31.
