India conceded 405 runs in the second ODI in Guwahati.
India’s bowling, especially the pace department, has come under severe scrutiny in the ongoing ODI series against the West Indies despite the Men in Blue claiming an unassailable 2-0 lead.
While wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket haul in the series opener in Thiruvananthapuram helped India restrict the Caribbean to 295 after they threatened a much higher total, the visitors went on to rack up a mammoth 405 in the second ODI in Guwahati, raising concerns over the quality of back-up pacers leading up to the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Ahead of the series finale in New Chandigarh, young batting all-rounder Naman Dhir stated that India's bowlers have leaked runs due to poor execution of plans and the side is working on better plans.
“As a bowling unit, yes, we would like to do better and try to stop the West Indies to a lower total. If you see, that wicket was also good, and the ground's dimensions on one side were small. Yes, we leaked more runs and could have gone with better plans. But bounce will be more in South Africa, and it will help the fast bowlers there,” said Dhir in the pre-match press conference.
Dhir, who made his India debut in the first ODI, also addressed queries regarding his specific role within the playing XI.
“The communication was very simple - I will be batting at number six and seven, where I have played in IPL. Another crucial role of mine is also to be the fifth and sixth bowler, so that the team could utilise me there, and that's been the communication so far,” he added.
On adjusting to batting in the lower-middle order, Dhir highlighted that mental adaptability matters more than changing your technique.
“I guess there are not many technical changes. You can make mental changes, as there's less time to bat at number six or seven.
“But I have had the experience of playing in the IPL at number seven last season. It is not new for me & it is not difficult for me. I am suitable there or at the top with my technique,” he explained.
Dismissing perceptions that he is a part-time option with the ball, Naman Dhir clarified that the Impact Player rule in the IPL had previously led to him not getting any overs to roll his arm over.
“I had been bowling from the start. My bowling hasn't been seen much due to the Impact Player rule in the IPL. I am not required there that much, but I do bowl regularly for my state. But since I have come into the IPL, I have worked a little more on my bowling, especially while being in the Mumbai Indians camp, as they have helped me a lot,” he remarked.
The Punjab lad also expressed gratitude ahead of representing the country on his home ground. “I had no idea that I would be picked in the Indian team and would play a match at my home ground. I have played a lot here and know it well. After the Sher-e-Punjab tournament, I had no idea about getting a call-up to the Indian team. It is a great feeling full of gratitude, and I always want to give my best.”
He also shared insight on the surface at the venue. “I will keep it simple. I will think that I have extra pressure and responsibility to do well here. I will do what I have been doing. I haven't seen the wicket yet, and we can't assess and prepare accordingly. If it's prepared as per what I know, it will be a good total of 290-300.”
Dhir emphasized adaptability in his batting approach under pressure and credited Ravindra Jadeja for giving him simple, situation-based bowling advice.
“The plan is simple - I will not go in with a fixed plan if I get a chance to bat. It depends on the situation and the demand of the team. So, as per that, I will plan my batting innings in the game.”
“I have spoken to Jaddu bhai. He has given me simple plans to bowl according to the batsman. Like, I can bowl in an attacking manner if I have to get wickets, or if I have to contain the batsman, then I can have simple lines to bowl to them.
“The batting is always in my mind, irrespective of what the game is. It was good that we won the match by chasing a huge total. As far as bowling is concerned, I had a big side while bowling to the right-hander, so I was using that. I was trying to bowl with simple plans and see what it would yield and not try to do anything on my own,” he concluded.
(With IANS Inputs)