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India have found several positives in their ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. Naman Dhir has once again demonstrated his potential in the middle order, while Tilak Varma has continued to develop his role as a finisher. Another player who has grabbed the limelight is Nitish Kumar Reddy, whose all-round performances have impressed observers.
Subramaniam Badrinath has assessed how these emerging talents are shaping the squad's composition. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Badrinath highlighted how the recent displays by Reddy and Dhir have created a significant challenge for Shivam Dube's prospects of returning to the XI.
"I won't say it's the end of the road for him, considering the possibility of injuries to others. But it'll be very difficult for him to break into the playing XI again. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir fit into the same category very well. They bowl, bat, and are excellent fielders. These two are multidimensional, especially with their fielding," Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
"Meanwhile, Dube is somewhat one-dimensional. He can smash spinners and give you two overs of bowling. And his fielding is poor. Fielding and fitness are areas where Dube takes a hit. So it's going to be hard for him to return to the XI," he added.
Dhir scored an unbeaten 42 off 15 balls in the first T20I and followed that with a 31-run knock in the second T20I. His ability to contribute both with the bat and ball has made him a valuable asset in the squad. Reddy, meanwhile, has also impressed with his all-round capabilities, scoring an unbeaten 26 off 13 balls while batting at number 8 in the third T20I and picking up a wicket in the same match.
"His (Naman Dhir's) knock was underrated in the second T20I. It came when the situation was tough. Even Tilak Varma acknowledged it after the game. And he bowls off-spin as well," He said.
New Zealand took the field for the third T20I at Hutt Recreation Ground on October 27 without two of their most potent fast bowlers, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson. The visitors were trailing 2-0 in the series and needed to win to keep the contest alive.
