The Mumbai Indians filled all 20 slots at the IPL 2025 mega auction, with Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar as their costliest picks at ₹12.50 crore and ₹9.25 crore, respectively. Among the noteworthy buys was Naman Dhir, acquired for ₹5.25 crore alongside Will Jacks. While Jacks is a more established name, Naman’s journey to the IPL is inspiring.
Two years ago, Naman, frustrated with his stalled cricket career, applied for permanent residence in Canada, intending to join his sister in Edmonton. His father, Naresh, encouraged him to give cricket another year, which proved pivotal. Naman debuted in the Ranji Trophy in December 2022 and impressed Mumbai Indians enough to secure a spot in IPL 2024, where he scored 140 runs in seven matches, including a remarkable 62* against Lucknow Super Giants.
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Naresh faced criticism for supporting his son’s cricket ambitions. A school principal once taunted him, saying he was “ruining his career,” but Naresh stood firm, telling Naman he would one day silence critics with his performances. This faith was evident when Naman smashed five sixes in his explosive IPL innings, drawing applause from fans and franchises alike.
Naman’s auction journey was intense, with Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru showing interest before MI exercised their Right to Match card. Overwhelmed by the ₹5.25 crore bid, Naman remains focused on bigger goals, currently representing Rajkot in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.