Former India captain and chief selector Kris Srikkanth made a scathing remark regarding Naman Dhir's India debut in the first ODI against the West Indies at Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday (September 27).
Srikkanth argued that Dhir has not proven himself enough in domestic cricket to warrant an international cap yet.
The Punjab all-rounder had a quiet outing, going wicketless while conceding 33 runs in his 5 overs of off-spin. He didn’t an opportunity to showcase his batting prowess as India won the match quite convincingly by 8 wickets.
"You can't play Naman Dhir and all. Naman Dhir hasn't done so deadly in domestic cricket to be playing. You can't give the India cap to everyone. Even if he batted, it would have been at No.7. So what's the use of him coming in at No.7? He's a brilliant player and can bowl two to three overs. But you can't play him as an all-rounder. Anyway, with this strong Indian batting lineup, you don't need a batter at No.8. The No.8 won't even get an opportunity," Srikkanth said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.
Chasing a target of 296, the Men in Blue rode on spectacular centuries from Virat Kohli (139* off 88) and Shubman Gill (110 off 108) to get over the line with 50 deliveries to spare.
While Srikkanth questioned Gill’s team selection, he praised the Indian skipper’s masterclass knock in the match.
"He looks like he'll never get out when he's batting. Gill has mastered ODI cricket. His consistency has been amazing. The effortless ease with which he bats is something fantastic," Srikkanth stated.
Despite the strong batting performances from Kohli and Gill, Kuldeep Yadav was declared Player of the Match for his four-wicket haul.
The left-arm wrist-spinner returned with the figures of 4-40 in 10 overs, which brought India back into the match during the middle overs, restricting the West Indies to under 300 after they threatened a much higher total.
Kuldeep broke a 135-run opening stand by dismissing John Campbell, and followed it with prized scalps of skipper Shai Hope, centurion Justin Greaves and Jewel Andrew.
Srikkanth commended Kuldeep’s game-changing spell and endorsed the decision to confer him with the Player of the Match honour.
"His loop and speed through the air were brilliant. It was a good choice to give him Player of the Match. It's also good that they are playing him. With wrist spinners, the more they play, the better for them," Srikkanth remarked.
With this thumping victory, India gained a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second ODI will be played in Guwahati on September 30.
