Naman Dhir nearly quit cricket in 2022 to move to Canada, but father urged him to stay and try for one more year

India captain Shreyas Iyer praised Naman Dhir for his composed finishing effort in India's record-breaking chase against New Zealand in the first T20I, saying the all-rounder provides the team with multiple options. Dhir smashed an unbeaten 42 off just 15 balls as India chased down 226, their highest successful run chase in T20 cricket, to take an early lead in the series.

The performance marked another milestone in Dhir's rise after making his India debut last month. The 24-year-old's journey to the national side, however, nearly took a different turn in 2022, when he considered leaving cricket behind and moving to Canada after struggling to make progress in his career.

Naman Dhir nearly quit cricket to move to Canada

Dhir had represented Punjab at the Under-16 level, but his career subsequently stalled, leaving him frustrated about his prospects in the game. In early 2022, he even applied for permanent residency in Canada, where his sister lives in Edmonton, as he considered giving up cricket.


Speaking to IE, Dhir recalled how he was close to abandoning his cricketing ambitions before his father, Naresh, persuaded him to give himself another year.

“Half of the Punjab wants to move to Canada and I was also one of them. In early 2022, I almost gave up on cricket. My sister lives in Edmonton, Canada and I was planning to move there. My father said give yourself one year,” Dhir told IE.

The decision proved crucial. Dhir made his Ranji Trophy debut in December 2022, before being picked by Mumbai Indians in 2023. He went on to represent the franchise in seven matches during IPL 2024, scoring 140 runs, including an unbeaten 62.

Naman Dhir's father stood by his cricketing ambitions

Dhir's father played a key role in convincing him not to abandon the sport, even as the family faced discouragement from people who doubted his chances of making it to the highest level.

Naresh, who worked at a medical shop in Punjab's Faridkot district, recalled being taunted over his decision to take his son out of school for cricket practice.

“When I used to go to his school and take him out for his cricket practice, the principal ma'am used to say 'Dhir sir… you are ruining his career. No one has represented Punjab from Faridkot, forget India.' Once this taunt became regular, I told Naman one day 'Once you will come on TV hitting sixes these taunts will turn into claps,'” Naresh recalled while speaking to The Daily.

Dhir's unbeaten knock against New Zealand has since offered a striking contrast to the uncertainty he faced just a few years ago.

What Shreyas Iyer said about Naman Dhir

Iyer praised Dhir's temperament under pressure and highlighted the options he offers India with his off-spin, particularly against left-handed batters. Although Dhir did not bowl in the opening match, Iyer said his ability to contribute with the ball could prove valuable during the series.

“He gives us a lot of options, especially for left-handed batsmen (with his off-spin), or even the right-handers batting, especially on this ground. Bowling those two-three crucial overs actually can change the momentum,” Iyer said.

The India captain also praised Dhir's composure while batting in a high-pressure chase.

“I personally feel that the calm and composed nature that he showed today, it was simply magnificent to see him bat,” he added.

Iyer himself contributed 42 off 28 balls, while Sanju Samson scored 67 to give India a flying start. The visitors raced to 94 for one in the powerplay before completing the chase.

Shreyas Iyer explains how India chased 226

Reflecting on New Zealand's total, Iyer said the pitch initially appeared slow and the ball seemed to hold up, but conditions improved as dew set in and the surface became better for batting.

“When we started bowling, I thought it was playing a bit slow. The ball was holding a bit, and we bowled a little ahead compared to the hard lengths we should have been hitting,” he said.

Iyer added that the wicket became flatter as the match progressed, allowing the ball to come on to the bat more easily and helping New Zealand build momentum.

He also credited India's aggressive start, saying a rapid powerplay was vital while chasing a target of 220-plus.

“Kudos to them for the efforts, but obviously we needed that kind of start, especially when you're chasing 220, getting to 80-85 in six overs, that's a tremendous start,” he said.

Iyer backs India's attacking openers

Iyer also praised Samson and Abhishek Sharma for the freedom with which they approach the opening overs, saying the pair do not need instructions on how to play their natural game.

“You don't have to tell them how to go about their business. They know exactly what they're doing, and once they get going, it's just about the momentum they carry forward, and today was just an example of that,” Iyer said.

He added that when the openers get going, they establish a platform for the rest of the batting line-up to finish the job.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged India's strong powerplay and said his team would look to improve its plans against the Indian openers in the remaining matches.

“Another big powerplay from them. We weren't probably at our best. We can sharpen up a few things, but I think we know what the ball does, so you can slow them down,” Santner said.