Sunil Gavaskar backs Naman Dhir as Hardik Pandya alternative for India

Sunil Gavaskar said Naman Dhir can fill a different role from Hardik Pandya and should be retained in India's T20I side. Gavaskar spoke after India's five-match series against West Indies ended 2-2 in Bengaluru.

Dhir took three wickets on debut in Lucknow and struck 24 off six balls in the rain-shortened fifth match. Gavaskar noted that India needs at least four specialist bowlers plus all-rounders who can bat, and that Dhir meets that requirement even if he is not a direct replacement for Pandya.

Mumbai Indians may consider retaining Dhir ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction while Hardik Pandya remains a possible release candidate, according to ABP Live.