India sealed the first T20I at 171 all out, and Naman Dhir’s 3/31 turned the tide.
The 25‑year‑old, who poured in 318 runs in IPL 2026, had never bowled in that tournament, but on debut he delivered four overs, 31 runs, 3 wickets, keeping West Indies at 171.
Dhir admitted he had watched Axar Patel’s slower ball earlier and copied the tactic, tightening the line and securing wickets.
Former World Cup hero Krishnamachari Srikkanth slammed Sundar, saying "Naman Dhir has finished him", and called for the Impact Player rule to be scrapped to foster true all‑rounders.
Sundar, who has been injury‑plagued, now faces a hard look; the selectors may sideline him in white‑ball squads.
India leads the five‑match series 1‑0, and the next T20 will be on Friday at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi.