Naman Dhir played another game-changing knock for India in the second T20I against New Zealand.
Former cricketer Irfan Pathan was deeply impressed by young India all-rounder Naman Dhir’s composure during a high-pressure run chase in the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Saturday (October 24).
Chasing 181, India found themselves in a spot of bother at 70/5 in the 11th over. Walking in at No. 7, Dhir injected instant momentum by smashing 31 runs off just 17 balls (including 1 four and 3 sixes), completely shifting the pressure back onto New Zealand.
After his dismissal, Tilak Varma (51* off 26 balls) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (26* off 13 balls) put on an unbeaten 69-run stand off just 30 deliveries to take India over the line with four wickets and one delivery to spare.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan stated that he wanted to check Naman’s heart rate because he plays with an unbelievable level of coolness and authority under extreme pressure.
Pathan specifically marvelled at Naman’s effortless ability to play the pull shot against high-quality pace, noting how he seemed to have extra time to execute his strokes despite the tense situation.
“I want to check Naman Dhir's heart rate! What a player he is. He is also extremely versatile. We have spoken about him before, but he came in and played the pull shot with ease despite being under pressure. It makes no difference to him. He has so much time to play the pull shot, and he executes it brilliantly. Once again, he was outstanding. He played a superb innings under pressure in the first match as well, and he has been equally impressive here. His strike rate is phenomenal, and his batting has been excellent,” Pathan said.
“I want to take one of those medical telescopes, put it near Naman Dhir's chest, and check his heart rate while he is batting. I feel he is extremely cool and calm. His heartbeat must remain very controlled, which is why you cannot even tell that he is batting in a pressure situation, especially considering he has only just come into the team,” he added.
Irfan Pathan also commended skipper Shreyas Iyer for handing the ball to Naman Dhir after the powerplay. He bowled one over in the match and conceded seven runs.
Pathan noted that as an off-spin option, Dhir uses his height and release point effectively, functioning as a good defensive bowler.
“One thing I liked was the way Shreyas Iyer gave him an over to bowl at the right time. It allowed the captain to get a bit of breathing space while also giving Naman Dhir the confidence that he can bowl on these pitches too. He is a decent bowler. His release point and trajectory are signs of a good defensive bowler. So, he has also gained a little confidence from getting that one over, but the way he is batting is solid,” Pathan remarked.
With this victory, India gained a 2-0 lead in the five-T20I series. The reigning T20 World Champions will look to seal the series by winning the third match in Wellington on Tuesday (October 27).