'That's the balance I'm always trying to maintain' – Naman Dhir on preparing for his role with Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians' (MI) young batting all-rounder Naman Dhir recently opened up on his role for the Mumbai-based franchise. He also reflected on how the coaching staff and management have helped him this season to improve his game and perform under pressure with the bat.

The Mumbai Indians are known for promoting young stars within their team who go on to deliver impressive performances in the future. The player who has stood out this season is Naman Dhir, who has shown his ability to score crucial runs down the order. Though Naman is known for featuring in the top order in domestic cricket, he has been assigned a middle-order role for the MI franchise. Dhir explained how he prepared for this role and also gave credit to skipper Hardik Pandya and batting coach Kieron Pollard for teaching him how to remain calm under pressure.

“Right after the auction, (Mahela Jayawardene) MJ told me I'd be batting at 6 or 7, so I've been mentally preparing for that role ever since. When it comes to guys like Pollard and Hardik, they're always in my ear, constantly guiding me. The biggest thing they've helped me with is staying calm under pressure. I'm learning what shots to play and when – all from their experience," Naman said during the pre-match press conference.

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“If I start fearing failure, it becomes tough to execute those shots in crunch situations. The management has been clear with me – they've said, 'We've got your back. Just go out there, express yourself, and play your game.' But they've also emphasised something important: there's a fine line between playing fearlessly and being reckless. That's the balance I'm always trying to maintain – for myself, and for the team," the 25-year-old Haryana-born cricketer added.

Dhir shines as MI finisher

Speaking of Naman Dhir’s performance this season, he has scored 130 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 185.71 and is averaging 43.33. These are impressive stats, considering the position he has been batting in for the franchise. His best score of the season came against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he scored 46 off 24 deliveries.