India won the 1st T20I against West Indies by eight wickets, and these three players have made a case for a higher batting position.
India extended their unbeaten T20I streak to 10 matches after defeating West Indies by eight wickets in the 1st T20I of the five-match series at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, on October 6, 2026. Shreyas Iyer captained the side, with Tilak Varma serving as vice-captain.
With the series now underway, the batting order is one area that could see adjustments in the matches ahead. Three players in particular have shown enough to warrant a look at a higher position in the lineup.
3. Naman Dhir
Naman Dhir made his T20I debut in the 1st T20I against West Indies on October 6, 2026, having already made his ODI debut against the same opponents on September 27, 2026. The 26-year-old right-handed batter didn't get a chance to bat. In that match, Dhir took the wicket of Shai Hope, who had scored 52, claiming his maiden T20I wicket. As an all-rounder capable of contributing with both bat and ball, Dhir offers India genuine flexibility. Batting lower down the order limits his impact with the bat, and moving him up by even one or two positions could allow him to face more deliveries and express himself more freely. His ability to bowl off-breaks adds further value, making him a strong candidate for a higher slot as the series progresses.