'We leaked more runs, could have gone with better plans' - Naman Dhir on India's bowling ahead of 3rd ODI vs West Indies

India's bowling unit conceded 177 runs during the power-play phase across the first two ODIs against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati. The new-ball attack managed only one wicket in the opening 10 overs of those matches, setting a challenging tone for the remainder of each innings. In the second ODI at Guwahati, West Indies posted 405 runs, a total that reflected the difficulty India's bowlers faced on a batting-friendly pitch.

Naman Dhir, the right-arm spin-bowling all-rounder making his ODI debut in the series, took 0 for 38 in 6.1 overs during the Guwahati match before leaving the field due to an injury. Speaking ahead of the third ODI on Saturday, October 3, Dhir offered a frank assessment of the bowling performance and outlined the team's plans moving forward.

"As a bowling unit, yes, we would like to do better and try to stop the West Indies to a lower total. If you see, that wicket was also good, and the ground's dimensions on one side were small. Yes, we leaked more runs and could have gone with better plans. But bounce will be more in South Africa, and it will help the fast bowlers there," Dhir said in the pre-match press conference.

Bowling performance in the first two ODIs

Dhir acknowledged that the Guwahati pitch favoured batters and that the ground's layout presented additional challenges for the bowling attack. He recognised that alternative bowling strategies could have restricted the opposition's scoring, though he also noted that conditions in South Africa, which will host the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, would offer different advantages to the pace bowlers.

Dhir was brought into the ODI setup as a replacement for Washington Sundar and has been assigned a specific batting and bowling function within the team structure. The team management communicated his role clearly before the series began, defining his responsibilities in both disciplines.

Dhir drew on his Indian Premier League experience to highlight his familiarity with batting in the middle order. He underscored that his dual role as a lower-order batter and reserve bowler was clearly defined and aligned with his previous performances in franchise cricket.

"The communication was very simple - I will be batting at number six and seven, where I have played in IPL. Another crucial role of mine is also to be the fifth and sixth bowler, so that the team could utilise me there, and that's been the communication so far," Dhir said.

Adjusting to the middle order

When asked about the adjustment required for his new role in international cricket, Dhir reflected on the mental and technical aspects of the transition. He noted that while the timeframe for batting at positions six and seven was compressed, his IPL experience had prepared him for such situations.

"I guess there are not many technical changes. You can make mental changes, as there's less time to bat at number six or seven. But I have had the experience of playing in the IPL at number seven last season. It is not new for me and it is not difficult for me. I am suitable there or at the top with my technique," Dhir added.

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India have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ODI series heading into the third match at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. The series, part of the tour running from September 27 to October 17, 2026, saw Shubman Gill leading India's ODI squad against West Indies captain Shai Hope.