Naman Dhir Can Threaten These India Stars' T20I Spots Amid Red-Hot Form

Naman Dhir could threaten the T20I spots of 3 Indian stars [Source: AFP, X]

Young Indian cricketer Naman Dhir has set the Sher-e-Punjab T20 league on fire. Dhir, who plays for Mumbai Indians, has been a regular face in the IPL in the last couple of years. 

The swashbuckling right-hander has featured in 61 T20 matches, amassing 1222 runs, including five half-centuries in the shortest format. His versatility, all-round skills and recent form are the reasons why Naman Dhir can add immense value to the Indian T20I team, led by Shreyas Iyer. 

Naman Dhir runs riot in Sher-e-Punjab T20 league

Known for his 360-degree stroke-play, Naman Dhir has showcased incredible form in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 league 2026. He has smashed 430 runs, including two centuries, in the competition at an average of 86 and a strike rate of 218.27. 

Opening for the Abhishek Sharma-led Amritsar Soormas, Naman Dhir played a belligerent knock of 173 runs against Mohali Kings, making a compelling case for his inclusion in the India T20I squad. 

If Naman Dhir gets into the team, here are three Indian players who could make way for the Mumbai Indians batter, as mentioned below. 

Also Read: Why Naman Dhir's 173 In Punjab T20 League Won't Be Counted In Official Records

1. Sanju Samson

Ever since the emergence of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, India have paired the 15-year-old up with Abhishek Sharma at the top order. Sanju Samson, who played a pivotal role in their historic third T20 World Cup triumph in 2026, is no longer a regular face in the Indian T20I XI. 

Added to that, Sanju Samson has managed only 33 runs in his last four T20I innings. Sooryavanshi is expected to retain his spot due to immense potential and recent form (151 runs in 3 innings vs Zimbabwe), while Abhishek Sharma will likely get a long rope, having scored the most runs (1629) since his T20I debut. 

So, considering Naman Dhir can also play as an opener, the axe could fall on Sanju Samson, who has struggled to get going after the T20 World Cup 2026. 

2. Rinku Singh

Middle-order batter Rinku Singh had an incredible start to his T20I career, as he went on to pile up 507 runs, averaging 46.09 and striking at 165.15. 

However, the southpaw hasn't been at his best for quite a while now. Since 2025, Rinku has managed 195 runs at a modest average of 24.38, while his strike rate has dropped to 137.32. 

Since the T20 World Cup 2026, Rinku Singh has struck 61 runs, averaging 12.2. Meanwhile, Naman Dhir has also played as a middle-order batter for Mumbai Indians, scoring 350 runs at an average of 35 and a blistering strike rate of 182.3 at positions 5, 6 and 7. 

So, his versatility to give India a dynamic finishing option could make Naman Dhir a potential replacement for Rinku Singh if the latter fails to deliver in the upcoming matches. 

3. Washington Sundar

Experienced allrounder Washington Sundar has been impressive in Test cricket. However, despite India giving him ample opportunities, Sundar has yet to prove his mettle in T20Is. 

Statistically, Washington Sundar has 279 runs under his belt in 27 T20I innings, averaging 15.5 and striking at 126.8. Although Sundar has 51 wickets, frequent fitness issues have curtailed his journey in international cricket. 

So, given that Naman Dhir can also chip in with a few overs of off-spin bowling, apart from offering India a more destructive batting option than Sundar, the team management can consider replacing the Tamil Nadu cricketer with him if he sustains his prolific form in the shortest format. 

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