Christchurch: Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has praised the Indian selectors for backing Naman Dhir after the young batter delivered a match-winning performance against New Zealand in the first T20 International at Hagley Oval on October 22.

Dhir smashed an unbeaten 42 off just 15 deliveries as India chased down New Zealand’s target of 226, winning by four wickets with two balls remaining. His explosive finish helped India complete their highest successful run chase in men’s T20I cricket and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Speaking on his show Ash ki Baat, Ashwin highlighted Dhir’s composure under pressure and said the batter was proving why the selectors had backed him despite questions about his previous record and credentials at international level.

Ashwin backs the selectors’ decision

Ashwin was impressed by the way Dhir handled a tense situation after India lost wickets during the middle overs of the chase. The former spinner acknowledged that there had been questions about Dhir’s selection based on his track record, but said the youngster was now demonstrating the qualities that the selectors had identified.

Ashwin said Dhir was justifying his selection through his performances and proving what the selection committee may have seen in him.

The former India international also praised Dhir’s batting technique, pointing out that the innings was built on timing and control rather than relying solely on power hitting.

According to Ashwin, Dhir showed the composure required of a finisher, particularly when the match was still in the balance. He suggested that India may have found a valuable player for the lower middle order, a role that often determines the outcome of close T20 matches.

Ashwin’s comments underline the importance of giving players opportunities to establish themselves at the highest level. Dhir’s latest performance has strengthened his case for a continued role in India’s T20I set-up.

Dhir turns the match around in the final overs

India’s chase appeared to be under pressure after New Zealand fought back with wickets in the middle overs. The visitors had made an aggressive start, but the dismissal of key batters brought the hosts back into contention.

Captain Shreyas Iyer played an important role in stabilising the innings, scoring 42 off 28 balls. However, India still needed a strong finish to complete the demanding chase.

Dhir arrived at the crease at No. 7 and quickly changed the momentum. He remained unbeaten on 42 off 15 balls, striking five fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 280.

His aggressive approach put New Zealand’s bowlers under pressure at a crucial stage. Rather than allowing the required run rate to become a problem, Dhir picked his opportunities and found the boundary regularly.

The innings helped India reach 230 for six in 19.4 overs. Dhir finished the chase with a six, sealing a memorable victory for the visitors.

Although Sanju Samson was named Player of the Match for his 67 off 33 deliveries, Dhir’s late assault was crucial in ensuring India crossed the finish line after New Zealand had threatened to regain control.

Ashwin identifies the qualities of a finisher

Ashwin’s praise focused not just on the number of runs Dhir scored, but also on the manner in which he approached the situation.

The former spinner said Dhir had stamped his authority as a finisher and highlighted the batter’s reliance on timing rather than attempting to muscle every delivery.

This distinction is important in T20 cricket, where lower-order batters often face pressure to score quickly with only a few overs remaining. Attempting to hit every ball hard can lead to mistimed shots and costly wickets.

Dhir instead appeared to remain in control of his shot selection, finding gaps and capitalising on scoring opportunities while maintaining a high strike rate.

Ashwin described the innings as evidence of Dhir’s class and said the youngster had considerable value as a player. His assessment suggests that the knock was more than a brief display of power hitting: it showed the temperament required to finish a close international match.

India have often relied on established players to deliver in the closing overs. Dhir’s performance offers the team another option in that role, although consistent performances over a longer period will be necessary to establish his place permanently.

IPL experience helps Dhir handle pressure

Dhir’s experience in the Indian Premier League has also been highlighted as a factor behind his confidence in pressure situations.

Playing in the IPL exposes young cricketers to high-pressure finishes, different bowling styles and situations in which a handful of deliveries can decide a match. Such experience can help batters make quicker decisions when representing India.

Dhir has played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, where he has gained experience batting in the middle and lower order. His ability to contribute with the ball also offers India additional flexibility in team selection.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has also praised Dhir’s finishing ability, pointing to his IPL experience and clean striking as important attributes.

However, international cricket presents its own challenges. Dhir will need to reproduce this composure against different opponents and in varied conditions if he is to become a regular finisher for India.

The New Zealand match nevertheless provides an encouraging example of his ability to manage pressure at a decisive moment.

India’s record chase gives the team a 1-0 lead

New Zealand posted 225 for four in their 20 overs after putting India’s bowlers under pressure. Glenn Phillips led the hosts’ innings with an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, while Finn Allen contributed 45 off 24 deliveries.

India responded with a strong opening partnership between Samson and Abhishek Sharma, who added 93 runs. Samson’s 67 gave the chase momentum, while Abhishek scored 29 off 12 balls.

After New Zealand picked up wickets to bring themselves back into the contest, Iyer and Dhir helped India regain control. Dhir’s finishing effort proved decisive as India completed the chase with two balls to spare.

The result gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, with the second T20I scheduled to be played in Christchurch on October 24.

India will look to carry their batting momentum into the next match, although the bowling performance will remain an area for improvement after New Zealand reached a total of 225.

A promising start for India’s new finisher

Dhir’s unbeaten 42 has prompted renewed discussion about India’s options in the lower middle order. His ability to score quickly without losing control could prove valuable in matches where the top order cannot complete the chase.

Ashwin’s praise also highlights the role of selectors in identifying players whose potential may not be fully reflected in their previous statistics. Dhir’s latest performance has offered evidence of the qualities that earned him an opportunity.

One innings cannot establish a long-term career, but delivering under pressure in a successful international chase is a significant step. Dhir will now have the opportunity to build on the performance as India continue their series against New Zealand.

For the selectors, the challenge will be to assess his consistency and determine how best to use his batting and bowling abilities. For Dhir, the immediate task is to maintain the calm approach that helped him make such a decisive contribution in Christchurch.