Wasim Jaffer believes Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Naman Dhir has the potential to become a match-winner for India in T20I cricket. The former India opener praised the 26-year-old after his explosive unbeaten knock against New Zealand in the first T20I in Christchurch on Thursday. Dhir smashed 42 runs off just 15 deliveries at an extraordinary strike rate of 280, helping India complete a remarkable four-wicket victory. Chasing a target of 226, the Men in Blue reached 229/6 in 19.4 overs to register their highest successful run chase in T20I history.
Jaffer believes such a performance early in Dhir’s international career will significantly boost his confidence. He also highlighted the youngster’s ability to contribute with the ball and in the field, making him a valuable addition to India’s T20I setup.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Wasim Jaffer said: “Naman Dhir’s knock was special. Winning the match for the team with such a knock at the start of your career boosts confidence a lot. He is a good addition to the T20I team. You need a power-hitter who can also bowl two to three overs in the middle. He is also a good fielder.”
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Jaffer explained that Dhir’s all-round abilities provide India with greater flexibility, particularly when the team needs additional bowling options in the middle overs. He also backed Rinku Singh, describing the left-handed batter as an outstanding finisher who deserves another opportunity in the national side.
Discussing the competition for places, Wasim Jaffer said: “The way batting is happening nowadays, everyone has a bad day. If you have some options, you can rotate the bowlers and not become too predictable. So, in that sense, Naman Dhir gives you a bit of balance. Rinku Singh is also a very good fielder. It would be useless to talk about the batting, as Rinku is outstanding. Rinku Singh is a better finisher than Nitish Reddy, but Naman Dhir has the capacity to hit sixes. Yes, he sometimes gets out with soft dismissals, but he has the capability to win matches by playing such knocks.”
The former cricketer reiterated that Rinku should be included in India’s T20I squad, pointing to his previous match-winning contributions. “I still feel Rinku Singh should be in the team. He has proven himself time and again. He has performed and won matches for India. It’s unfortunate that he is not able to find a place in the 15,” he observed.
Rinku last represented India during the T20I series against Zimbabwe in July. Although he had limited opportunities with the bat, he has been in impressive form in the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, scoring centuries against Bihar (112) and Goa (118 not out and 24). Wasim Jaffer also believes India’s victory will provide a timely confidence boost, particularly after the team’s recent struggles in overseas conditions.
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“This is not a small feat. Our recent record away from home isn’t that great. We lost to Ireland and England. I think this win will give a little confidence boost. The conditions in New Zealand are never easy.” With four matches remaining in the five-match T20I series, India will aim to build on their opening victory, while Dhir’s performance has strengthened his case as a potential long-term asset for the team.
