Mumbai Indians death overs specialist Naman Dhir has been given a license to play fearless cricket but the Punjab batter is aware how to maintain a (thin) line between fearlessness and recklessness.
Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya had spoken about the fearless approach of the batters at the start of the season.
“If I fear failure it will be difficult to play such (improvised) shots in that situation. I have got the backing from the management and I go there to express myself. But there is a (thin) line between fearlessness and recklessness which I try to maintain,” Naman said ahead of the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, on Wednesday.
“I was told to bat at No 6 and No 7 at the auction and was prepared mentally. I have been benefited after speaking to experienced players Hardik (Pandya) and Kieron Pollard (batting coach) who have batted in at No 7 for Mumbai Indians. They tell me how to play in such situations and be calm. Apart from one game when Rohit was injured and I batted at No 3, I have been batting at No 7 and try to give my 200 percent in every match,” added Naman who has batted mostly in the top order in domestic cricket.
Naman Dhir has been MI’s one of the best fielders this season and contributed in the last game also which MI won by 12 runs against Delhi Capitals.
“I try to contribute in whatever way I can. Last game was a morale booster, a much needed win, the way we came back was incredible by fielders and bowlers. We take one game at a time and every game is a fresh start for us and we need to win more matches,” he said.
Asked whether he was asked to give inputs about his Punjab teammate Abhishek Sharma who scored 141 for SRH in previous game, he said. “If asked I will certainly give my inputs in the meeting.”
Bat check and rule changes
With bat checks becoming a norm in live IPL games, Naman Dhir said it doesn’t play on batters mind. Hardik’s bat been checked in their last game against DC. “Bat check (by on-field umpires) doesn’t play in the mind as when when get bats from the factory, we check before going into the match.”
He felt that use of saliva doesn’t play a big role in white ball cricket but use of dry ball will help spinners after first half of the innings as the ball used to get wet earlier, making it difficult to grip. “Spinners come more into play with use of dry ball after 11 overs especially in Mumbai and Delhi,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Daniel Vettori on Wednesday said umpires checking for the bat sizes doesn’t make any difference.
“I wish they’d checked the bats when I was playing,” Vettori quipped in the pre-match press conference.
“No, I don’t think it makes any difference. The guys get tested regularly. The umpires go through the dressing rooms a lot of the time, so (the) guys know that their bats are compliant, so it’s just a quick one second, and everyone moves on.”
