Dinesh Karthik backs Naman Dhir to develop into a good all-rounder

Naman Dhir made his T20I debut for India against West Indies during the ongoing five-match series. The young all-rounder impressed in his early appearances, taking three wickets in his debut T20I match on October 6, 2026, with figures of 3/31. In the third T20I at Holkar Stadium, Indore on October 11, 2026, Dhir took 2 wickets for 39 runs as India defeated West Indies by 14 runs. His role in the squad reflected India's strategy to manage bowling resources after Washington Sundar was withdrawn to prepare for the Test series in New Zealand.

Dinesh Karthik, the former India wicketkeeper, has backed Dhir's potential to develop into a quality all-rounder. Karthik noted that Dhir's confidence is showing with every game he plays and that the team management has adjusted his role to suit his strengths.

"In T20 cricket, on such flat pitches, if you lack pace below a certain point, it is gettable. He is a bowler who is getting better, I feel. His confidence is showing with every game that he is playing. They have tried him with the new ball, they have probably realised that is not what they want out of him. So, they have bowled him in the middle overs, and they have given him good overs, overs where he is not under immense pressure," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

Accuracy as the key to all-rounder development

Dhir batted at number six in India's innings on October 11, 2026, scoring 10 runs off 5 balls before being caught by Shamar Springer off Gudakesh Motie. Karthik acknowledged this dismissal but remained optimistic about the young cricketer's overall development. The former wicketkeeper emphasised that bowling accuracy would be the defining factor in Dhir's evolution as a complete all-rounder in the shortest format.

"For him, it is actually going to be about accuracy. I thought he batted nicely, got caught down the leg side, and that is never a nice feeling. I do feel that if you keep giving him the confidence, he can blossom into a good all-rounder," Karthik said.

In this format wickets win matches: Rahane

Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane also expressed confidence in Dhir despite the young all-rounder conceding runs in some overs. Rahane highlighted that wicket-taking ability remains the primary measure of success for bowlers in T20 cricket. The captain's backing underscored the team management's commitment to nurturing Dhir's talent through this international exposure.

"Shreyas has that confidence in Naman Dhir. Yes, he went for runs, but what is important is picking up wickets. In this format, if you are picking up wickets, you are probably going to win matches, and that is what is really important. I am sure he is working hard on his bowling," Rahane said.