The newest all-rounder to be seen in the Indian team, Naman Dhir, has made some decent impressions in his debut ODI series as an unexpected inclusion due to busy schedules. The player of 26 years of age has contributed to the recently held ODI series against the West Indies due to the unavailability of Axar Patel and Washington Sundar.
During his sole appearance as a batsman, Naman Dhir managed to score 30 runs while he picked up a single wicket from among the three matches he played. In spite of these performances, this report highlights three reasons why Naman Dhir will not make it to the Indian squad for the ICC World Cup 2027.
Here are the 3 reasons why Naman Dhir might not be a part of the ODI World Cup 2027:
3. Inexperienced as a bowler
Naman Dhir was picked as an off-spin all-rounder in place of Washington Sundar. He was coming in on the back of a bumper performance in the Shere Punjab T20 league as well. He had bowled well in the tournament, giving India hope that he can be used as a proper all-rounder. He only managed one wicket in 3 innings, giving away 103 runs. Dhir will have to work more on his bowling skills to become more attractive to BCCI selectors, now that he has made his way in the XI.
2. No more experimentation
The Indian ODI captain, Shubman Gill, has confirmed that he would like to have all the first-choice players available to him going forward, as he wants to play a set combination for the ICC World Cup 2027. He wants that combination to get well and play together for a few matches before the ICC event. This means Washington Sundar is likely to return to the mix, and Naman Dhir might have to wait for his chances going forward.
1. Better options available
Washington Sundar is the first-choice off-spin all-rounder in the Indian ODI team, and if India wants, they can also bring in Varun Chakaravarthy. Given that the ICC World Cup 2027 will be played in South Africa, only one spinner is likely to be played in the XI, and Kuldeep Yadav is the first-choice tweaker. Naman Dhir will need to work more on his bowling skills to become a permanent choice.
