Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif showered praise on uncapped Mumbai Indians batter Naman Dhir ahead of IPL 2026. Kaif said Dhir played some invaluable cameos for MI in the previous season. Dhir scored 252 runs in 12 innings at an average of 31.50 and a blistering strike rate of 182.60.

The right-hander from Punjab scored 24 fours and 13 maximums in the previous season. Thus, he played an instrumental role in finishing the innings on a high for the five-time champions.

Meanwhile, MI used the Right to Match option to re-sign Naman Dhir for INR 5.25 crore in IPL 2025 mega auction.

Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “Don’t forget Naman Dhir. He did a very good job last year with his cameos. Whenever Mumbai were in trouble, he played impactful knocks. Naman Dhir deserves to be praised because he has improved year after year. Mumbai invested in him, and he is now giving them returns.”

On the other hand, Kaif said MI leg-spinner Mayank Markande is not a proven match-winner. 

“There is still a missing link when we talk about their spin department. They might not play Santner in every match because then they will have to leave out either Jacks or Rutherford. They could go with Markande over Santner initially. Every team has Indian spinners. That’s how you get the balance. So, there is a slight weakness in terms of Indian spinners. Even when they play Markande, they would be a bit apprehensive and there would be some doubt. He is not a proven match-winner.”

Markande started his IPL career with Mumbai Indians in 2018 season. He made his debut against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings and returned with impressive figures of 3-23 in his quota of four overs. Markande has scalped 37 wickets in as many IPL matches

Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on 29th March.