Naman Dhir clarifies No. 6 or 7 role in India’s T20 team after Impact Player constraints in IPL: ‘I get fewer…'

“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.”

Dhir’s remarks highlight a contrast between his franchise experience and the demands of international cricket. While he is enjoying the flexible role, he is also aware of the opportunities at the IPL. Representing Mumbai Indians, the off-spinner has primarily been valued for his aggressive middle-order batting. 

The Impact Player rule, which allows teams to substitute a player and effectively specialise roles, has limited his bowling opportunities in the competition. Despite this, Dhir has explained that bowling has always formed part of his game, both in domestic cricket for Punjab and in the nets. His early contributions in the T20I series underscore the value of that dual skill set. On his T20I debut in Lucknow, Dhir claimed 3 for 31, helping restrict West Indies and setting up an eight-wicket win.

In the third match in Indore, he added two further wickets for 39 runs as India defended a total and secured a series lead. Across the three matches, Dhir has taken five wickets, providing the team with useful spin options in the middle overs. His path to the Indian side accelerated through explosive domestic form, and everyone has been talking about it ever since. 

Naman Dhir impressed cricket fans recently 

In the recent Sher-e-Punjab T20 League, he scored 655 runs at a strike rate exceeding 217, including a remarkable 173 off 64 balls. That performance, combined with consistent all-round contributions for Punjab and solid IPL seasons with Mumbai Indians, earned him selection for the white-ball series against West Indies. He made his ODI debut in late September 2026 and quickly transitioned into the T20I side.

Dhir expressed mild disappointment at not capitalising more with the bat in the Indore match but stressed enjoyment of the game and a focus on executing the role given to him. With two T20Is remaining in the series against West Indies, the all-rounder has an immediate opportunity to build on his early returns.

Dhir recently claimed two wickets, which proved to be crucial in India’s 14-run victory over the West Indies in the third T20I at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday. It gave the hosts a 2-1 lead as they head into the fourth match. The player went on to dismiss Shimron Hetmyer and Kamil Pooran during the West Indies' chase of 224 to power the Men in Blue against the visitors. 

The Impact Player rule has sparked discussions 

The discussion around the Impact Player rule has gained traction following Dhir’s success. The rule has fans as well as critics, as cricket fans stay divided. The observers have noted that the substitution system can reduce bowling opportunities for developing all-rounders at franchise level. It might also potentially limit their readiness for international demands where multi-dimensional players are prized. 

India’s current coaching leadership under Gautam Gambhir has shown a preference for versatile options who can contribute with both bat and ball, particularly in the absence of established all-rounders in certain combinations. Meanwhile, Dhir continues to use his batting experience to bowl better, as it helps him identify the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. 

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