BCCI Eyeing Naman Dhir As Washington Sundar's Alternative: Report

Naman Dhir recently made his India debut vs WI [Source: AFP]Eyebrows were raised when Naman Dhir was picked in India’s squads for the white-ball series against the West Indies, but if the latest report is to be believed, then the BCCI had a certain plan for him, and that was to make Dhir an alternative for the injury-prone Washington Sundar.According to a report by Cricbuzz, the Indian team management and the selectors wanted an alternative for Sundar, especially since the Tamil Nadu all-rounder’s career has been marred by injuries.Sundar marred by injuries as BCCI pick Dhir as alternativeThe 27-year-old all-rounder made his India debut in 2017, and in the last nine years, he has constantly been troubled by injuries, which have derailed his journey.In 2021, he sustained a finger/webbing injury, which made him miss the second half of the IPL 2021 season. Moreover, hamstring injuries have troubled him since his India debut, with the latest setback taking place during the England away tour.At the start of the year, Sundar suffered a left lower rib area/oblique issue during the ODI series opener against New Zealand, and he missed the rest of the matches.ALSO READWhy Naman Dhir Could Be India’s Missing T20I PieceAs a result, the BCCI has been searching for an alternative, and their search ended with the arrival of Naman Dhir, who has already made his India debut in ODIs and Tests.Why Naman Dhir was specifically picked as Sundar's replacementThe all-rounder role (specifically in ODIs) demand for the player bat at number 6 or 7, with the ability to bowl 5-6 overs. This is what Sundar offers to the team, and Naman Dhir has the same traits, as India have picked a like-for-like alternative.Since his India debut, Dhir has featured in all six matches against the West Indies (3 ODIs, 3 T20Is), and he has been deployed in the same role as the board wants to test his skill set.Interestingly, Dhir is an upgrade over Sundar as a batter, having the ability to take down attacks while batting in the middle order. However, Washington Sundar still remains a better bowler, as the BCCI is planning to juggle between the two.In 3 ODI matches, Dhir has scored 30 runs for India and has a solitary wicket to his name. However, in the T20Is, the player has shone with the ball, grabbing 5 wickets in just three matches to justify his selection.ALSO READShubman Gill Named ICC Player of The Month For September 2026