“Parents expect you to move forward in life” - Naman Dhir opens up amid NZ vs IND 2026 T20Is on not opting for Canada career

Fresh off a match-winning display for India in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, all-rounder Naman Dhir opened up about the grueling period that nearly led him to abandon cricket for a permanent move to Canada.

The 26-year-old Punjab native recalled feeling disheartened during a multi-year drought without opportunities, highlighting how family support kept his Indian cricket ambitions alive.

"Sir, during those five to seven years when I wasn't getting to play anywhere, you obviously feel disheartened," Dhir said in a video shared by Sony Sports Network. "Parents expect you to move forward in life and do something. But luckily, my father supported me tremendously, and my entire family - my sisters - supported me so much, saying, 'No, you go ahead and play cricket; we will take care of things. You don't need to take any kind of pressure.'"

"So I gave that one year to myself, and after that, I guess things turned around. That’s why I always believe that if you work hard with honesty, God always listens to you," he added.

Hailing from Faridkot, Dhir faced a challenging path through Punjab’s domestic ranks. Having represented Punjab at the under-16 level, he found himself sidelined for years before securing a breakthrough with the under-25 team. The prolonged wait prompted him to consider moving abroad, where his sister resides in Edmonton.

"Sir, yes, I am from Faridkot. I have played all my cricket right from childhood there," Dhir added. "I represented Punjab at the U-16 level, and after that, I directly got an opportunity for Punjab at the U-25 level. And yes, in between there was a period of five to seven years which was a struggle phase, but I guess I enjoyed even that phase quite a bit. So I enjoyed that period too. But yes, again, I would say the same thing: if you can win a match for India, there is no greater satisfaction than that."

Following his domestic persistence, Dhir earned a Ranji Trophy debut, made his mark with Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and recently debuted for India. His match-winning, 15-ball 42 not out against New Zealand in Christchurch helped seal a record chase, validating the family faith that kept him in India.

"My natural temperament is calm" - Naman Dhir on his composure at the biggest stage

When asked about his remarkable composure on the international stage, Dhir credited a blend of innate temperament and his high-pressure exposure in the Indian Premier League.

"Sir, my nature is naturally like this. I am on the calmer side, so perhaps it comes from that," Dhir explained. "And obviously, when you play for a franchise like Mumbai Indians and make your debut there, you learn a great deal about handling pressure. So yes, it’s a mix of both. My natural temperament is calm, and that's probably why I come across the same way on the field."

His steady approach proved decisive in steering India through critical match situations against the Black Caps. Dhir scored another quickfire 17-ball 31 in the second T20I, including three sixes to keep India in the hunt for the run chase.

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