Mumbai Indians (MI) batter Naman Dhir has lavished huge praise on skipper Hardik Pandya and Keiron Pollard for helping him stay calm under pressure in crucial moments. Dhir has been a revelation for MI in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season, as he so far has scored 130 runs from six games at an average of 43.33 and at an astonishing strike rate of 185.71. Walking in at number five or six at times, the MI youngster has looked quite assured at the crease.
Dhir has also walked in at number three for MI against LSG. The right-hand batter impressed in that game, scoring 46 runs. However, in that game, he was forced to come at number three, as Rohit Sharma missed the game owing to a knee injury. The 25-year-old said that Pandya and Pollard constantly guide him and advise him on which shots to play in crunch moments.
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"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," Naman said in the press conference before the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 17 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
"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.
Also Read:Â MI vs SRH Match Preview & Where to Watch Live? IPL 2025 Match 33
Naman Dhir lavishes praise on MI management for giving him the freedom to express
MI's new finisher further stated that MI management is not putting any undue pressure on him for failing to do the job in some matches. Rather, Naman Dhir said that they are giving him freedom to express himself.
"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 emphasized 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 the team," Naman added.
Speaking about MI, they are placed seventh on the IPL 2025 points table, winning two games out of six games that they have played. MI will next take on SRH on April 17 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
