Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth questioned Naman Dhir’s selection in the first ODI against the West Indies on Sunday. Dhir made his ODI debut against the visitors but returned with figures of 0-33 in five overs he bowled.
The right-hander from Punjab didn’t get a chance to bat as India secured an eight-wicket win. However, Dhir’s maiden call-up was questioned as he doesn’t have a great List A career so far. The youngster has scored 351 runs in 14 List A matches at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 106.36.
Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube Channel, “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.”
On the other hand, Srikkanth praised Shubman Gill for scoring a brilliant knock of 110 runs off 108 balls in the series opener. Gill also had the rub of the green on his side as he was dropped by Keemo Paul when he was on 11.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav bagged the Player of the Match award for returning with figures of 4-40 in his quota of 10 overs. The 1983 World Cup-winning player said it was the right decision to give the Player of the Match award to Kuldeep for his stunning spell.
“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,” said Srikkanth on Kuldeep (via the aforementioned source).
The second ODI between India and the West Indies will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on Wednesday.
