India have made a change to their squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against West Indies, with Naman Dhir coming in as the replacement for Washington Sundar.

Washington, who is currently representing India at the Asian Games in Japan, has been withdrawn from the T20I assignment as the selectors look ahead to the team’s next Test challenge against New Zealand. The decision is primarily aimed at giving the all-rounder enough time to prepare for the longer format.

With the new Ranji Trophy season scheduled to begin on October 11, Washington is expected to return to domestic cricket and get valuable red-ball game time. India will then travel to New Zealand for a two-Test series, with the first Test scheduled to begin in Wellington on November 19.

The selectors appear keen to ensure that Washington gets sufficient time in the middle before what is expected to be a demanding Test assignment.

Naman Dhir Gets T20I Opportunity

Naman Dhir has earned his place in the T20I squad after making a strong impression in domestic and franchise cricket. The Mumbai Indians batter recently made his ODI debut in Trivandrum, but he is yet to represent India in T20 internationals.

His domestic T20 numbers, however, provide an indication of his ability in the shortest format.

Dhir has played 61 T20 matches and scored 1,222 runs at an impressive strike rate of 156.26. He has also contributed with the ball, picking up eight wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 9.40.

The numbers highlight his attacking approach with the bat. His ability to score quickly could make him a useful option in India’s T20 setup, particularly in the middle overs and during the closing stages of an innings.

His selection also comes after a productive IPL 2026 campaign with Mumbai Indians.

Strong IPL Season for Dhir

Dhir featured in all 14 matches for Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026. He finished the season with 318 runs at a strike rate of 147.22 and recorded two half-centuries.

Playing regularly throughout the season gave Dhir valuable experience of facing high-quality bowling in pressure situations. His performances also kept him in contention for national selection.

Although he has now entered the Indian ODI setup, his first opportunity in T20 internationals could be an important step in his international career.

The West Indies series could therefore provide Dhir with an opportunity to demonstrate whether his franchise success can translate to the international stage.

Washington Sundar’s Red-Ball Preparation

Washington’s withdrawal from the West Indies T20I series is closely linked to India’s Test commitments.

The all-rounder is currently involved in the Asian Games, but the selectors have a longer-term objective in mind. The Ranji Trophy begins on October 11, giving Washington an opportunity to play competitive red-ball cricket before the Test series in New Zealand.

For players preparing for Test cricket, domestic first-class matches can provide important match practice. They allow players to spend longer periods at the crease or bowl extended spells, something that cannot be replicated in T20 cricket.

India’s two-Test series against New Zealand begins in Wellington on November 19. With the first Test only a little over a month away, the selectors are looking to manage Washington’s workload while also ensuring that he remains prepared for the longer format.

The decision reflects the importance of the upcoming Test assignment in India’s schedule.

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Anshul Kamboj Added for Third ODI

India have also made another change to their squad, this time ahead of the third ODI in New Chandigarh.

Fast bowler Anshul Kamboj has been called up to replace Prasidh Krishna, who has been ruled out of the match because of a hamstring injury.

Prasidh will now travel to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to begin his rehabilitation. His absence is a setback for the Indian side ahead of the third ODI, while Kamboj gets another opportunity to move closer to establishing himself in international cricket.

Kamboj has already experienced international cricket in the longest format. He made his Test debut in Manchester last year, but he remains uncapped in both of the limited-overs formats.

His inclusion therefore represents an opportunity for him to add another dimension to his international career.

Kamboj Brings India A Experience

Kamboj was already involved with India A and was playing in the unofficial Test series against Australia A in Puducherry when the call-up arrived.

His involvement in red-ball cricket means he has been getting competitive match practice, while the move into the ODI squad will require a quick adjustment to the demands of white-ball cricket.

The selectors will be hoping that his recent workload helps him settle into the national setup quickly.

Kamboj’s ability to contribute with the ball makes him an interesting option for the third ODI. His previous Test experience also means he has already had exposure to the expectations associated with playing for India.

Two Changes at an Important Stage

The changes involving Dhir and Kamboj come at an interesting point in India’s international calendar.

Dhir has been brought into the T20I squad as India begin planning for the West Indies series, while Washington is being given an opportunity to focus on his red-ball preparation. At the same time, Kamboj has been promoted to the ODI squad after Prasidh’s injury.

For Dhir, the biggest opportunity will be to make his T20I debut and show that his impressive numbers in domestic and IPL cricket can translate to the international level.

For Kamboj, the immediate challenge is different. He will need to adapt from India A cricket to an international ODI environment and make the most of his opportunity if selected in the playing XI.

Meanwhile, Washington’s focus will shift towards first-class cricket and the upcoming Test series in New Zealand.

India’s Busy Schedule Continues

India’s packed cricket calendar means squad management has become increasingly important. Players are moving between formats and competitions, making workload management a key consideration for the selectors and team management.

Washington’s withdrawal from the West Indies series is a clear example of the selectors looking beyond the immediate assignment. Rather than focusing only on the five T20Is, they are also preparing the squad for the Test series that follows.

Similarly, Prasidh Krishna’s injury has forced an immediate change to the ODI squad, giving Kamboj an unexpected opportunity.

For Naman Dhir, however, the latest development could mark the beginning of an important chapter in his international career.

After a productive IPL 2026 season, an ODI debut and strong T20 numbers, the Mumbai Indians batter now has the chance to make his first appearance in India’s T20I setup.

With the West Indies series approaching, all eyes will be on whether Dhir can turn his selection into a memorable international debut.