Naman Dhir takes 3 for 31 on T20I debut against West Indies

Naman Dhir took three wickets for 31 runs on his T20I debut as India beat West Indies in the first match of the series in Lucknow. The Mumbai Indians all-rounder dismissed Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd and Matthew Forde, each of whom hit a six off the previous delivery.

Cheteshwar Pujara said Dhir showed he was more than a part-time bowler by changing his line and length after being hit for six. Pujara added that Dhir varied his pace well and that India’s spinners received more assistance from the pitch than expected.

Dhir said he had continued to bowl regularly in practice despite limited opportunities under the Impact Player rule in the IPL. He added that he felt no extra pressure on debut because playing for Mumbai Indians had prepared him for international cricket.