Kotak backs Dhir’s promise after explosive finish in Christchurch

Naman Dhir has wasted little time making his mark in India’s T20I series against New Zealand, following up a late burst against West Indies with a match-winning display in Christchurch.

With India chasing 226 in the opening T20I, Dhir walked in at 167/5 with 5.3 overs remaining. What followed was a decisive 15-ball unbeaten 42, as he took charge of the chase alongside captain Shreyas Iyer before continuing the charge with Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Dhir’s power hitting and composure proved crucial as India completed their highest successful chase in Men’s T20I cricket, sealing the victory with a six.

The innings came just days after Dhir had struck an unbeaten 24 off six balls in the rain-affected fifth T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru, that underlined his ability to make an impact in limited time at the crease.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has been encouraged by the 26-year-old’s performances, highlighting his understanding of the role expected of him and the range of contributions he can make to the side.

"Yesterday, there was Sanju (Samson), Abhishek (Sharma), Shreyas (Iyer) and Axar (Patel) too, but his role at the end was also very, very important. He is a power-packed player, he knows what is expected (of him) and he exactly does that, which is a great sign,” Kotak said.

Kotak also pointed to Dhir’s potential as a bowling option and his fielding, noting that his off-spin could offer India flexibility depending on the opposition’s batting line-up and match situation.

"In a T20 match, if there are lots of left-hand batters in the opposition, an offspinner can even bowl four overs and, depending on the situation, he can bowl one or two overs too. He is someone who can field really well and can make an impact with the bat in that finisher's role.

“It is too early, but I feel he is very promising. His batting technique, the way he builds his base quickly, the power he has, he is a very exciting talent,” Kotak added.

While Dhir has seized his recent opportunities, young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is continuing to learn within a competitive India setup. The 15-year-old has attracted considerable attention for his explosive batting, but regular places in the top order have remained difficult to come by, with Samson, Abhishek and Ishan Kishan among the established options.

With Kishan ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand after sustaining a right adductor strain in the series opener, Sooryavanshi is in line for an opportunity.

Kotak believes the youngster has shown greater maturity in understanding the team’s selection dynamics and the value of learning from senior players while waiting for his turn.

“Now he is much more mature. He understood that Sanju is playing well, or Abhishek is playing well - how can they be left out,” Kotak said.

He acknowledged that Sooryavanshi naturally wants to play, but stressed that spending time around the senior team can help him develop beyond his already evident hitting ability.

"The middle order is also packed. Everyone understands that but of course he wants to play. If I were in his place I would too. But he is a simple boy. It's not like he has complained or looked downcast. 

“Hitting ability is one thing, and the things you learn by being at this level day after day is another thing. He will learn that. This (waiting for his turn) will do a lot of good to him.”

India will now look to extend their lead in the ongoing series as they prepare for the second T20I in Christchurch on 24 October.

Series schedule:

First T20I: 22 October, Christchurch (India won by four wickets)

Second T20I: 24 October, Christchurch

Third T20I: 27 October, Wellington

Fourth T20I: 30 October, Auckland

Fifth T20I: 1 November, Hamilton