# Naman Dhir T20I Debut: Kris Srikkanth Says He Has Finished Washington Sundar URL: https://technosports.co.in/naman-dhir-t20i-debut/ Published: 2026-10-08 Updated: 2026-10-08 Author: Reetam Bodhak On October 6, 2026, Naman Dhir walked onto the pitch in Lucknow for his T20I debut. He returned three wickets for 31 runs, dismantling West Indies’ middle order and immediately changing India’s all-rounder selection debate. India’s win gave them a 1–0 lead in the five-match series. The bigger discussion, though, focused on selection, with Dhir’s first international appearance putting fresh pressure on [Washington Sundar](https://technosports.co.in/washington-sundar-csk-trade-rumor/)’s place in India’s limited-overs plans. ![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/naman-2-1.jpeg) ## Naman Dhir T20I Debut Changes India’s Selection Conversation Dhir delivered India’s best bowling figures at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. He bowled four overs for **31 runs** and took three wickets, producing his best work when West Indies looked ready to build a competitive total. Kris Srikkanth offered a striking assessment on his YouTube channel. He said Dhir had entered the squad as Sundar’s replacement and had effectively “finished him”, while also insisting India shouldn’t drop the debutant from future ODI and T20I selections after such an impact. The comment captures the intensity of India’s all-rounder selection debate, but one successful match can’t settle a long-term team decision; Dhir has, however, given the selectors a performance they can’t ignore. ## How Dhir Turned India vs West Indies Around West Indies were dismissed for **171** in 19.1 overs after Sherfane Rutherford scored 56 and Shai Hope made 52. Hope and Rutherford added 63 runs, putting West Indies in a position to challenge India before Dhir broke the partnership and Hope’s dismissal sparked a sharp collapse. West Indies fell from 107/3 to 135/8, with Dhir taking three wickets during that stretch and removing the middle-order resistance that had kept the innings moving. India’s other successful bowlers were Axar Patel, who took 2/26, and Kuldeep Yadav, who finished with 2/33; Dhir’s figures stood above both established spinners because his wickets came during the defining phase of the innings. India then chased 172, reaching 172/2 in 14.4 overs with 32 balls remaining, and the margin of victory, along with the collapse after Hope’s dismissal, showed how sharply the match turned once Dhir found his rhythm. For more detail, see [BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.com/sport). ## Washington Sundar’s Position After the Finished Debate Sundar was withdrawn from the T20I series and asked to play first-class [cricket](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket) ahead of India’s Test series against New Zealand. That move explains Dhir’s opportunity, but the two players don’t offer identical selection profiles. Sundar’s absence opened the door, while Dhir’s performance strengthened his case to stay in the conversation. India’s management must now balance immediate wicket-taking impact with role balance, format demands and the upcoming Test assignment. The wider discussion also follows earlier interest around the Washington Sundar CSK situation, although the current issue concerns India’s international selection rather than a franchise decision. Dhir’s value will become clearer over more matches, particularly when opposition batters plan specifically for him. ## What Happens Next for Dhir and Sundar? Srikkanth’s argument is straightforward: Dhir shouldn’t be dropped from India’s ODI and T20I teams after his debut. The selectors, though, need more evidence before turning one outstanding spell into a permanent format decision. Dhir now has momentum and a match-winning performance behind him. Sundar’s route back begins with first-class cricket before India’s Test series against New Zealand, while India lead West Indies 1–0 after the opening match. The next selection call will reveal whether Dhir’s debut was a single opportunity or the beginning of a new all-rounder battle. **Verdict:** Dhir has earned an immediate chance, but that doesn’t necessarily end Sundar’s India career. --- ## FAQs ### What were Naman Dhir’s figures on his T20I debut? Naman Dhir took 3 wickets for 31 runs in four overs against West Indies in Lucknow. ### Why was Washington Sundar absent from the T20I series? Washington Sundar was withdrawn from the series and asked to play first-class cricket ahead of India’s Test series against New Zealand. ### What was the key turning point in the match? Dhir’s dismissal of Shai Hope ended a 63-run partnership with Sherfane Rutherford and helped trigger West Indies’ collapse from 107/3 to 135/8. ### What is India’s position in the series? India lead the five-match series 1–0 after beating West Indies by eight wickets. Inconsistent runs values in article: 31 vs 63 — cross-check verified facts and standardise. Use verified facts to fix. AAI_NUM_END –> --- **Source:** [Crictracker](https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/naman-dhir-has-finished-washington-sundar-kris-srikkanth-after-all-rounders-t20i-debut-9516/)