Irfan Pathan says Naman Dhir selected for off-spin bowling
Pathan believes the all-rounder's bowling ability earned him the spot ahead of the West Indies series.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said Naman Dhir earned his maiden ODI call-up primarily for his off-spin bowling rather than domestic batting form. Dhir scored 655 runs in 10 innings at an average of 72.28 with a strike rate of 217.61 in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League.
Pathan noted that a player who can bat in multiple positions and bowl handy off-spin has been missing from the ODI setup, especially with Washington Sundar unavailable due to the Asian Games and Riyan Parag carrying injury concerns. In List-A cricket, Dhir has taken seven wickets at an average of 37.14 across 14 matches.
Pathan also said he will watch how many opportunities Yashasvi Jaiswal receives as the backup opener for the 2027 ODI World Cup. India face West Indies in a three-match ODI series starting September 27.
Filed under Naman DhirIrfan PathanYashasvi JaiswalWashington SundarWest Indies
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- BreakingSep 20, 2026 · CricHubb Desk