Shivam Dube Set To Replace Hardik Pandya For T20 World Cup 2024? Rohan Gavaskar's Striking Verdict
Published - 15 Jan 2024, 05:08 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:25 AM
Former cricketer Rohan Gavaskar acknowledged that all-rounder Shivam Dube has secured his place in India’s team for the T20 World Cup 2023. Rohan Gavaskar’s comments followed Shivam Dube’s impressive performance in the ongoing series against Afghanistan.
Shivam Dube was recalled to the team in the absence of Hardik Pandya, who was ruled out due to injury. The left-handed batter made the most of the opportunity and was instrumental in India’s series victory. He scored two consecutive half-centuries in the series.
The 30-year-old scored 63 runs off 32 balls during India’s six-wicket victory in the second T20I in Indore on Sunday, January 14. The southpaw reached his half-century mark off 22 balls and stayed till the end. He hit five boundaries and four maximums in his knock.
Shivam Dube Is Doing All That He Can – Rohan Gavaskar
In a conversation with Cricbuzz, Rohan Gavaskar stated that Shivam Dube has evolved beyond being a backup for Hardik Pandya. Gavaskar said that Dube has successfully established himself at the highest level, making it challenging for selectors to exclude him.
“We have been talking about him as, ‘Oh, listen, what if Hardik is unfit?’, I think what he is doing is making sure that even if Hardik is fit, he is on that plane in that World Cup squad. If you put in performances like this, it is very hard for anyone to drop you,” Gavaskar told Cricbuzz.
“It is going to be a really tough decision for the selectors if they decide to drop him. He is doing all that he can, which is giving the selectors a headache,” he added.
Shivam Dube’s T20 batting significantly improved after joining the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL. He scored 418 runs in 16 matches at an impressive strike rate of 158 in the last edition. Dube has emerged as one of the most effective players against spin.
Shivam Dube Now Feels That He Belongs At The International Level – Rohan Gavaskar
Rohan Gavaskar emphasized that Shivam Dube’s recent batting performances have significantly boosted his confidence, instilling a belief that he belongs at the international level. Gavaskar said that Dube focuses on his strengths rather than emulating others.
“After these two games, I think he now feels that he belongs at the international level. He has got the appreciation and respect of his teammates because he put in two absolutely wonderful performances,” Gavaskar further added.
“I think he is just a lot more comfortable about his own game. He knows his own game better. He is not trying to copy anyone now. He is saying, ‘This is what I can do and what I bring to the table.’.”
Afghanistan posted a total of 172 runs after batting first in the second T20I. Axar Patel delivered an impressive bowling performance, securing figures of 2/17 in four overs. Arshdeep Singh took three wickets, while Ravi Bishnoi contributed with bowling figures of 2/39.
