IND Vs AFG: Shivam Dube's Man Of The Match Performance Helps Him Join An Elite List Headed By Kohli And Yuvraj

Mumbai-born all-rounder Shivam Dube perhaps had one of the best nights of his International career as he was adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning performance against Afghanistan in the 1st of a 3-match T20 series here at Punjab’s Mohali cricket ground.

Shivam Dube performed well and it will be important for him to capitalize on the chances he gets in this series if he wants to stay in contention for selection in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. His solidity in the middle order could be vital for India and he is more than capable of cementing his spot.

While playing in only his 19th T20I game and first since October last year, Dube knocked 5 fours and 2 sixes. He batted at a strike rate of 150 and scored 60 off 40 and remained not out until the winning runs were scored. Shivam Dube arrived at batting after the dismissal of Tilak Varma at number 4 and stitched small but effective partnerships with Jitesh Sharma and Rinku Singh.

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Dube’s efforts ensured India reached the victory line with 15 balls left. Other than scoring runs with the bat, Shivam Dube also made sure to contribute with the ball. He bowled just 2 overs but leaked only 9 runs with an economy rate of 4.50 as he supported the acts of Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, and Axar Patel.

His 2-over spell also included a wicket of Afghanistan’s captain and opener Ibrahim Zadran for 25 just when the batter was getting set. Dube’s all-around performance has given the Indian team an extra option who can perform equally well with both bat and ball but the main question is whether can he adapt to the conditions in the USA and West Indies where the T20 World Cup takes place in June.

Shivam Dube Becomes 4th Indian To Score 50 And Take One Wicket

Shivam Dube’s 60 runs and bowling figures of 1/9 have made him the 4th Indian cricketer to score a half-century and take 1 wicket in the same match. This elite list is spearheaded by former All-Rounder Yuvraj Singh who has achieved this incredible feat thrice in his career.

Star batter Virat Kohli has done it twice while another all-rounder Hardik Pandya completed this feat in September 2022 against the Aussies. Shivam Dube whose batting style looks very identical to Yuvraj Singh himself could be a great all-rounder in the making.

It will be important for BCCI to give him constant game time as he is already 30 and could be well ahead of his peak years. But it will be interesting to see Dube’s development in the International circuit and the upcoming IPL edition where he will represent the Chennai Super Kings, will be crucial for him to throw his hat for selection in the T20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, the 2nd T20 between India and Afghanistan takes place on 14th January at Indore’s Holkar Stadium.