Naman Dhir made his mark on the first overseas tour and won the India Impact Player of the Series medal

Naman Dhir (Image credit: BCCI) NEW DELHI: Naman Dhir got off to a memorable start to his international career overseas, winning the Impact Player of the Series medal after playing a key role in India’s 3-2 T20I series win against New Zealand.The 26-year-old all-rounder was presented with a medal in the dressing room after the fifth and final T20I in Hamilton on Sunday. BCCI shared a video on social media showing India strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux felicitating Dhir after his impressive performances on his first overseas tour.“The one who stepped up to the plate and took charge of the team. A stellar overseas tour, capped off with an Impact Player of the Series medal for Naman Dhir,” BCCI wrote in a post on X.Dhir was delighted at the recognition, especially after being part of the team that secured the overseas series triumph.“First of all thanks to Adrian for giving me this medal. I really enjoyed it, most of all it’s quite satisfying that we won the overseas series. It’s my first overseas tour and I’m getting this medal,” Dhir said after receiving the award.

Dhir delivers with the bat in the first overseas assignment

Dhir’s contribution with the bat was a significant factor in India’s success. He ended the five-match series with 138 runs and consistently provided the team with quick runs in the middle order.He announced his arrival in the opening T20I with an unbeaten 42 off just 15 deliveries, giving the Indian batting line-up a late boost. He followed that up with 31 off 17 balls in the second match, maintaining his impact with another brisk innings.Although he could not make a significant contribution in the third T20I, Dhir struck the winning boundary as India secured a 3-0 lead and wrapped up the series with two matches still to play.He continued his useful run in the fourth game, scoring 28 off 13 deliveries before signing off with 33 off 23 balls in the final T20I. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate and contribute in pressure situations has made him a valuable option in India’s middle order.While Dhir bowled only two overs during the series and did not take a wicket, he also contributed in the field. His performances across the departments reflected the role he is building in India’s white-ball set-up.

After the T20I triumph, India set their sights on the ODI series

Dhir made his T20I debut against West Indies in Lucknow last month and quickly impressed. He has now appeared in 10 T20Is and three ODIs for India. The aggressive middle-order batsman, who can also offer part-time runs, has strengthened his case for a place in the side’s plans across formats.Meanwhile, India wrapped up the T20I series with a 3-2 victory despite losing the last two matches after winning the first three.After completing the T20I task, India will now focus on the ODI leg of the tour. The first match against New Zealand is scheduled for Wednesday in Auckland.