Naman Dhir explains how batting skills help him take wickets with the ball

Naman Dhir (Pic: PTI)

India spin-bowling all-rounder Naman Dhir says his batting skills help him read batters better while bowling, allowing him to anticipate their intentions based on their stance and shot selection.

Featuring in his maiden international T20I series, Dhir picked up important wickets of Kamil Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer as India defended their total by 14 runs in the third T20I, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

"It helps to be a batter because you understand the batter's stance, where his backlift is coming from, his guard and the kind of shots he can play. I keep observing these things when I bowl," Dhir stated to JioStar following the match.

During the 11th over, Nicolas Pooran targeted Dhir with three consecutive sixes before the Indian off-spinner struck back on the final delivery to dismiss the batter.

"I didn't plan to concede three sixes and then take a wicket. For instance, when Kamil Pooran was batting, he was looking to play every shot towards the leg side and create room to free his arms, so I wanted to cramp him for room," he added.

"I made a couple of errors in the first two deliveries. I knew I was bowling my third over, the batter was set, and with the run rate being high, he was bound to take a chance."

'I'm a batting all-rounder, says Naman Dhir

Detailing his role within the squad, Dhir admitted that he feels more of a batting all-rounder who bowls part-time.

"I am a batting all-rounder. I got an opportunity to bat in this game, but I am a bit disappointed that I couldn't capitalise on it. However, it's not as if I don't bowl. The Impact Player rule in the IPL means I get fewer opportunities to bowl there, but I have been bowling ever since I started playing cricket, and I really enjoy it," he said.

"As far as my role is concerned, the coaches and captain have told me that I will bat at number six or seven, depending on the situation, so that role is flexible. With the ball, my responsibility is to bowl two or three overs economically whenever the team needs me," he concluded.