In a cricketing spectacle reminiscent of Yuvraj Singh, Shivam Dube penchant for hitting towering sixes has ignited conversations about his potential as a seam-bowling allrounder in India’s T20 World Cup squad.
Shivam Dube, who has been drawing comparisons with the legendary Yuvraj Singh, showcased his six-hitting prowess during the first two T20Is against Afghanistan. While acknowledging the differences in their playing styles, Dube is determined to emulate Yuvraj’s all-round excellence in white-ball cricket.
Notably, Dube ability to dispatch spin deliveries into the stands has set him apart in the race for the seam-bowling allrounder position behind Hardik Pandya in India’s T20 World Cup squad. In the IPL 2023, Dube dominated spin bowlers with an impressive tally of 22 sixes, 20 of which came during the middle overs.
During this period, only Heinrich Klaasen and Sanju Samson boasted better strike rates than Dube 172.07, demonstrating his effectiveness against spin in the critical middle overs. Despite facing fewer deliveries, Dube’s impact was unmatched, making crucial contributions for the Chennai Super Kings in their triumphant IPL 2023 campaign.
Dube cricketing journey, marked by a swift retreat after his 2019 India debut, has taken a positive turn under the guidance of MS Dhoni. While primarily focusing on his batting, Dube addressed his vulnerability against short balls during the last IPL, showcasing a mature approach.
The recent T20 series against Afghanistan provided a glimpse of Dube improved batting performance, securing a maiden Player-of-the-Series award despite a dismissal in Bengaluru. With the ball, Dube, under the scrutiny of coach Rahul Dravid, showcased promising efforts, earning praise for his contributions in challenging situations.
While Dravid remains non-committal about Dube’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad, former India batter WV Raman sees him as a strong contender, emphasizing his late-blooming potential and wealth of experience.
As a bowler, Dube is a work in progress, with concerns about his pace offset by Raman’s belief in his evolving variations. The upcoming IPL 2024 will serve as a crucial testing ground for Dube to consistently replicate his stellar performances.
Eager to contribute to India’s success in the T20 World Cup, Dube emphasizes the mental aspect of the game, stressing the importance of strategic play and focus on every ball. As the cricketing world watches with anticipation, Dube’s hunger for success could be the key to securing a coveted spot in the national squad, leaving fans and pundits alike excited about the evolving narrative of this dynamic allrounder.
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