{
  "id": 8218360,
  "title": "‘How’s it possible?’: India batter questions newcomer’s ‘shocking’ ODI inclusion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/hows-it-possible-india-batter-questions-newcomers-shocking-odi",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T09:32:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-hanuma-vihari-questions-odi-squad-inclusion-naman-dhir-10883608/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India's cricket team selection committee has raised eyebrows by including newcomer Naman Dhir in the ODI squad, despite his limited domestic track record. The 26-year-old batsman, who has only played 14 one-day matches and scored 351 runs with seven wickets, has been called up for the team that will face the West Indies in a home series between September 27 and October 3. Dhir's inclusion has sparked debate, with former batsman Hanuma Vihari questioning the decision. Vihari, currently out of favor, expressed his doubts about Dhir's domestic performances, stating that while the Punjab all-rounder has had some success, his overall form remains inconsistent. The only justification Vihari could offer for Dhir's selection is the lack of quality bowlers in India's top six ODI batsmen. Despite Dhir's impressive 173-run knock in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League, his inclusion in the ODI side has been met with skepticism from within the cricket community.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Naman Dhir, 26, included in India's ODI squad without much domestic experience",
    "Former batsman Hanuma Vihari doubts Dhir's selection, citing inconsistent form",
    "Dhir's sole justification for selection: lack of quality bowlers in top six ODI batsmen"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}