IND vs WI 2026: ‘How is it possible?’ – Hanuma Vihari questions Naman Dhir’s India ODI selection

India announced its 15-member ODI squad on September 16, 2026, for a three-match series against West Indies beginning September 27. The squad included two maiden ODI call-ups, Punjab all-rounder Naman Dhir and Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi. The series was scheduled across three venues, Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, Guwahati on September 30, and New Chandigarh on October 3.

Hanuma Vihari has publicly questioned the selection of Dhir, citing concerns about the 26-year-old’s domestic performance record. Vihari made his remarks ahead of the upcoming ODI series against West Indies.

“There are many changes in the ODI team, of course, because the Asian Games is happening at the same time. But they have picked Naman Dhir. How is it possible?,” Vihari said on his YouTube channel.

“His domestic numbers are not convincing. Yes, he played a big knock in the Punjab league, and even for Mumbai Indians he has won some games, but it has been up and down. I have my doubts, and it is shocking,” he added.

Dhir’s domestic record and IPL performance

Dhir has demonstrated his all-round credentials across multiple formats, though his consistency in List-A cricket remains a point of contention among observers. His recent performances in the IPL and domestic T20 leagues have showcased his ability to score quickly and contribute with the ball.

In List-A cricket, Dhir has accumulated 351 runs across 11 innings at an average of 39. During the 2026 IPL season, he scored 318 runs from 14 games at an average of 26.50 with a strike rate of 147.22. He also played a 173-run knock off 64 balls in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League during the 2026 season, finishing with 655 runs across 10 matches at a strike rate of 217.61. In List-A cricket, Dhir has taken 7 wickets across 8 matches, demonstrating his value as a bowling all-rounder.

Why the selection committee chose Dhir?

Vihari offered his perspective on why the selection committee may have chosen Dhir despite the inconsistency in his domestic record. The batter explained that Dhir’s ability to contribute with the ball in addition to his batting may have influenced the decision, particularly given the current composition of India’s middle order.

“The only reason I can think of is that, yes, he is a good batter, but he can also bowl. In the ODI setup, there is no one in the top six who can bowl well. Jadeja has come back. But who else bowls in the top six? I think that is why they brought Naman Dhir,” Vihari said.

India’s squad selection was shaped by the overlapping schedule of the Asian Games and the home ODI series against West Indies, requiring the team to manage multiple assignments across formats simultaneously. Nitish Kumar Reddy was withdrawn from India’s Asian Games squad to feature in the West Indies series, reflecting the logistical pressures on the selection committee during this period.