Indian batter Hanuma Vihari has questioned Naman Dhir’s selection in the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies. Vihari said Dhir doesn’t have a great List A record, which raises doubts about his ODI selection.
Dhir has scored 710 runs in 37 IPL matches for Mumbai Indians at an average of 27.31 and a strike rate of 163.98. The right-hander from Punjab has scored 351 runs in 14 List A matches at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 106.36.
“There are many changes in the ODI team, of course, because the Asian Games is happening at the same time. But they have picked Naman Dhir. How is it possible? His domestic numbers are not convincing. Yes, he played a big knock in the Punjab league, and even for Mumbai Indians he has won some games, but it has been up and down. I have my doubts, and it is shocking,” Hanuma Vihari said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Vihari said Dhir’s selection might be done by the selectors if he can bowl a couple of overs.
“The only reason I can think of is that, yes, he is a good batter, but he can also bowl. In the ODI setup, there is no one in the top six who can bowl well. Jadeja has come back. But who else bowls in the top six? I think that is why they brought Naman Dhir,” he added.
On the other hand, Vihari backed Ruturaj Gaikwad to bat at number four in the upcoming series against the West Indies. Gaikwad has scored 228 runs in nine ODI matches at an average of 28.50.
“I feel Ruturaj Gaikwad should get an opportunity at number four. If there is anyone who should take Shreyas Iyer’s place in that middle order, it should be Gaikwad. There should be no second thought. If you remember the South Africa series, he scored a century. Even Jaiswal has scored runs, but if you talk about the middle order, Gaikwad should definitely get a chance at number four,” he said.
Gaikwad had scored a fine knock of 105 runs off just 83 balls against South Africa in the last ODI innings at Raipur in 2025.
The first ODI between India and the West Indies will be played on 27th September.
