Table of Contents
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra doesn’t want to see Naman Dhir in India’s playing XI for the second ODI against West Indies. After the 26-year-old made his ODI debut in the first ODI, Chopra feels India should consider bringing Mohammed Siraj into the team for the second game.
The main concern is the expected dew at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Chopra believes Naman’s part-time bowling may become less useful if the ball gets wet, and India could need a proper frontline pacer in the form of Mohammed Siraj against the West Indies.
Naman Dhir's debut performance
Naman Dhir made his ODI debut in the first match against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram. India picked him because of his batting ability, especially with key spin-bowling all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar unavailable for the series.
India also had Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI, giving them plenty of batting options. Because of this, the team decided to go with Naman instead of a specialist bowler like Auqib Nabi or Mohammed Siraj.
Naman bowled five overs in his first ODI and gave away 33 runs without taking a wicket. He came in as India’s sixth bowling option but did not get an opportunity with the bat as India comfortably chased down the target with eight wickets in hand in Thiruvananthapuram.
Aakash Chopra wants India to consider Mohammed Siraj for 2nd ODI vs West Indies
Aakash Chopra feels the conditions in Guwahati could make Naman Dhir’s role difficult. The second ODI will be played under the lights, and heavy dew could make bowling difficult later in the match. Naman is a part-time bowler, and Chopra believes India should therefore consider a specialist bowler, even if that means losing some batting depth.
Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, "Since you are going to a place where the toss is not in your hands, and there might be dew, why not play Mohammed Siraj? I have nothing against Naman Dhir; he bats well, but he is still just a part-time bowler. He is not a wicket-taking bowler, and if the ball is wet, he is not a bowler at all.”
Naman Dhir is not the right choice: Aakash Chopra
He pointed out that India is not currently looking at Naman as an option for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. Because of that, the former Indian opener feels the team should focus on having a stronger bowling attack for the Guwahati ODI.
Chopra feels Mohammed Siraj could be the best option if India decides to strengthen their bowling. Mohammed Siraj last played an ODI for India in January 2026 against New Zealand. Amid this, Rohit Sharma stumbles and nearly falls during IND vs WI 1st ODI.
He further explained, "In such a case, you should go with your full-fledged bowlers. Form is not an issue, so batting depth should not be an issue. As good as Naman Dhir is, he is not the right choice for the next match because of dew, and neither are you looking at him as an option for the ODI World Cup 2027.”
Aakash Chopra issues big warning to India for Guwahati ODI
India will also have to keep the venue’s history in mind. The last time India played West Indies at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, they chased down a huge target of 323 runs. That match was also the first ODI played at the ground.
Chopra feels India may need to put up a massive score if they bat first. He added, “India can still win the match after losing the toss; let's be fair, but for that they will have to score 350. Score 350 runs, then defend with the wet ball. If you score less than that, then it won't happen.”
”This is a golden opportunity for the West Indies. If they lose the toss, they won't win the match. But, if they win the toss and there is a lot of dew, then there is a good chance for them.”
