In a remarkable turn of events, Naman Dhir, who once considered leaving cricket and moving to Canada, has emerged as one of Mumbai Indians’ most exciting prospects, securing a ₹5.25 crore deal at the IPL 2025 mega auction. The 24-year-old’s journey from frustration to fame is a testament to perseverance and unwavering support from his family.
A Close Call with Giving Up
Naman Dhir, who represented Punjab at the U-16 level, found his career stagnating in early 2022. Frustrated by the lack of recognition and opportunities, he applied for permanent residence in Canada, planning to join his sister in Edmonton. “Half of Punjab dreams of moving to Canada, and I was one of them,” Dhir revealed in an interview with The Indian Express.
However, his father, Naresh, urged him to give cricket one more year before making a final decision. That one year proved transformative. In December 2022, Naman made his Ranji Trophy debut. By 2023, the Mumbai Indians had spotted his talent and brought him into their fold.
A Father’s Determination
Naresh Dhir, who works at a medical shop in Faridkot, stood firm in his belief in his son’s potential. Despite being ridiculed by others, including Naman’s school principal, Naresh remained undeterred.
“The principal used to say, ‘Dhir sir, you’re ruining his career. No one from Faridkot has ever played for Punjab, let alone India.’ But I told Naman, ‘One day, these taunts will turn into applause when you are on TV hitting sixes,’” Naresh recalled during an interview with The Daily.
A Breakthrough Moment
Naman’s explosive batting was on full display during IPL 2024 when he played seven matches for the Mumbai Indians, scoring 140 runs with a top score of 62* off 28 balls against Lucknow Super Giants. His innings, which included five sixes, caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts, even though Mumbai fell short by 18 runs.
During the IPL 2025 auction, Naman attracted bids from several franchises, including Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, Mumbai Indians exercised their Right to Match (RTM) card, securing the young batter for ₹5.25 crore.
“My heart was racing. I had a decent season last year, but never did I imagine earning this much in the IPL,” Naman admitted.
The Road Ahead
Currently playing for Rajkot in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Naman hasn’t had a strong start, with scores of 12 and 13 in his first two matches. However, his story is far from over. With the backing of Mumbai Indians and his natural flair for big hitting, Naman Dhir’s rise in Indian cricket appears inevitable.
His journey from almost giving up to becoming a star player is a reminder of the power of resilience, belief, and family support. As he continues to grow, bigger milestones surely await.
