What is Naman Dhir's Role for Team India? 'Batting All-Rounder' reveals responsibility after Indore Win

Despite showcasing his bowling skills, India cricketer Naman Dhir has labelled himself more as a batter in the ongoing West Indies series.

Naman Dhir has emerged as a promising spin-bowling option for India, making an immediate impact with his off-spin. On his T20I debut against West Indies in Lucknow, he claimed an impressive 3/31, dismissing Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd and Matthew Forde.

He followed it up with a wicketless outing in Ranchi before returning to form in the third T20I in Indore, taking 2/39 in three overs. Dhir dismissed Shimron Hetmyer for 43 and Kamil Pooran for 42, breaking a threatening partnership that had put India under pressure.

Although he conceded runs, his ability to strike at crucial moments helped India defend 223 and win by 14 runs. His five wickets in three T20Is have strengthened his credentials as a useful bowling all-rounder for India. But, the Punjab-born has stressed his main role as a batter, terming himself a batting all-rounder. He also went on to reveal his role in the team.

"I am a batting all-rounder. I got an opportunity to bat in this game, but I am a bit disappointed that I couldn't capitalise on it. However, it's not as if I don't bowl. The Impact Player rule in the IPL means I get fewer opportunities to bowl there, but I have been bowling ever since I started playing cricket, and I really enjoy it. As far as my role is concerned, I have been told by the coaches and captain that I will bat at number six or seven, depending on the situation, so that role is flexible. With the ball, my responsibility is to bowl two or three overs economically whenever the team needs me," Dhir said to Jio Hotstar after the Indore match.

The 26-year-old's bowling skills were only discovered in the West Indies series. Dhir played 37 IPL matches for Mumbai Indians, but across those matches, he only bowled around 8.4 overs and went wicketless. And despite his multifaceted quality, he admitted that he is not thinking too far ahead.

"I don't function that way, by looking too far ahead. I don't have any specific goals as of now. I'm just playing my cricket, enjoying it, and wherever God takes me, I'll go," he added.