Naman Dhir says IPL Impact Player rule limits his bowling opportunities
Naman Dhir says the IPL Impact Player rule limits his bowling chances despite regular domestic use of the ball.
Naman Dhir has bowled regularly since he first picked up the ball, yet the IPL's Impact Player rule has cut his chances to do the same at franchise level. The Mumbai Indians all-rounder has five wickets in three T20Is against West Indies and leads India's wicket-takers in the current series.
Dhir made his T20I debut in Lucknow, returning 3 for 31 and 2 for 39 across his first two outings. Coaches tell him he will bat at six or seven depending on the match situation, while his bowling role is limited to two or three economical overs when required. Thinking like a batter, he says, helps him read what the opposition will try when he does get the ball.
A 28-ball 62 for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024 and 655 runs at 217.61 in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 tournament earned him the India call-up.
CricHubb Take
Dhir's off-spin is now a national-team asset, but the same rule that protects MI's overseas batting means franchise footage rarely shows selectors what he can do with the ball.