Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra heaped praise on Naman Dhir after Mumbai Indians claimed a convincing 59-run win against Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai in the ongoing IPL 2025. After this victory, the five-time champions have qualified for the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Dhir was able to hit the ground running on a difficult pitch as he smashed a fine cameo of 8-ball 24 with the help of two fours and as many sixes to help MI post an above-par score of 180 runs on the board.
Dhir has been consistently providing the finishing touches for the Mumbai Indians in the ongoing season. The right-hander from Punjab has scored 186 runs in nine innings in IPL 2025 at an average of 37.20 and a blistering strike rate of 182.35.
In the last 21 balls against DC, SKY and Dhir smashed 57 runs, and Chopra reckons the last two overs were game-changing, when the duo clobbered 48 runs.
“The last two overs were game-changing. Firstly, let’s talk about Naman Dhir. If you see Naman Dhir’s numbers this year, you would say what a phenomenal performance. The number he is batting at is the most difficult. However, check the runs, and check the guy’s strike rate. He has batted incredibly well,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
Mukesh Kumar was hit for 27 runs in the penultimate over of the innings, with Dhir scoring 20 runs out of it.
“Even in this match, the way he hit Mukesh Kumar over cover, then a small helicopter shot, and after that, another six. I mean, wow batting – 24 runs off eight balls. Terrific batting,” he observed.
On the other hand, the renowned commentator hailed Suryakumar Yadav, who scored 73 runs off just 43 balls and his knock included seven fours and four maximums.
“Suryakumar Yadav said that his wife said that he had won everything but not the Player of the Match. He said – ‘No problem, he would do it now.’ He thrashed Dushmantha Chameera in the last over. This will be a very rare Suryakumar Yadav innings as he didn’t play even a single scoop shot. It’s not that balls were not being bowled there,” he said.
Mumbai Indians will play their last league stage match against Punjab Kings at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, on Monday.
