India defeated West Indies by 14 runs in the 3rd T20I at Holkar Stadium, Indore on October 11, 2026, to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Chasing India's total of 223 runs, West Indies were bowled out for 209, with Naman Dhir playing a key role in restricting the visitors.
Dhir returned figures of 2 wickets for 39 runs in 3 overs, dismissing Shimron Hetmyer and Kamil Pooran. Arshdeep Singh was named Player of the Match for his 3 wickets for 44 runs. Speaking to JioStar after the match, Dhir reflected
on his bowling approach and his role in the side.
"As an off-spinner, I don't have too many variations, so I have to rely on my line and length and vary my pace. That has always been my thinking. As they say that in T20 cricket, an attacking option can also be a defensive option because there is nothing better than taking a wicket. It helps being a batter because you understand the batter's stance, where his backlift is coming from, his guard and the kind of shots he can play. I keep observing these things when I bowl," Dhir said, as quoted by NDTV Sports.
How did Dhir dismiss Hetmyer and Pooran?
Dhir's two wickets came in contrasting but equally notable circumstances. In the seventh over, Hetmyer hit Dhir for a four and a six before the ball struck his back pad and crashed into the stumps, giving Dhir the breakthrough.
Pooran's dismissal came in Dhir's third over. The West Indies batter hit three sixes in that over before being caught at square-leg, with Arshdeep Singh taking the catch. Dhir explained that he had read Pooran's intent and set him up deliberately.
"I didn't plan to concede three sixes and then take a wicket. For instance, when Kamil Pooran was batting, he was looking to play every shot towards the leg side and get room to free his arms, so I wanted to cramp him for room. I made a couple of errors in the first two deliveries. I knew I was bowling my third over, the batter was set, and with the run rate being high, he was bound to take a chance. And, ultimately, he got out playing exactly the kind of shot I wanted him to, getting caught at square-leg. So, these little things help me a lot, and as a bowler, I keep looking for such small details," Dhir said.
A notable pattern has emerged in Dhir's international career. All five of his international wickets have come off the delivery immediately after he was hit for a six.
What is Dhir's role in the India T20I side?
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. He acknowledged some disappointment at not converting the opportunity but was clear about his defined role in the team. When asked about his ambitions going forward, Dhir kept his answer grounded.
"I am a batting all-rounder. I got an opportunity to bat in this game, but I am a bit disappointed that I couldn't capitalise on it. However, it's not as if I don't bowl. The Impact Player rule in the IPL means I get fewer opportunities to bowl there, but I have been bowling ever since I started playing cricket, and I really enjoy it. As far as my role is concerned, I have been told by the coaches and captain that I will bat at number six or seven, depending on the situation, so that role is flexible. With the ball, my responsibility is to bowl two or three overs economically whenever the team needs me. I don't function that way, by looking too far ahead. I don't have any specific goals as of now. I'm just playing my cricket, enjoying it, and wherever God takes me, I'll go," Dhir said.
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