Not Hardik Pandya! Shivam Dube named India's main weapon as Stephen Fleming backs CSK star to deliver in knockouts

Former New Zealand cricketer Stephen Fleming feels Shivam Dube could be a crucial asset for the Indian team in the upcoming semi-final match against England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Stephen Fleming stated that the Indian team management has used their lineup strategically well throughout the ongoing ICC tournament.

Shivam Dube has been underwhelming in the T20 World Cup 2024. The left-handed batter has scored 106 runs in six matches at an average of 26.50 and a disappointing strike rate of 107.07. The medium pacer has not taken any wickets in the World Cup in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA).

Shivam Dube Is A Match Winner - Stephen Fleming

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Stephen Fleming identified Shivam Dube as a potential weapon for India if the pitch favors spinners in the semi-final. Fleming highlighted Dube's ability to score quickly and change the game with aggressive batting. The former New Zealand captain described Dube as a match-winner.

"Just short of one sort of 40 or 50 or 60 at that high strike rate, but he has come with the right intent, which is important. He has the ability to hit sixes and change games. So if it's spin-friendly, then he's definitely going to be a weapon. I really like the way they've used him. He's put in there between some fine players; he has that role to be aggressive. And Hardik Pandya, who's in form as well, you can then have a good crack because he's a match-winner," Fleming said. 

Shivam Dube Could Win The Match - Stephen Fleming

Stephen Fleming mentioned that if Shivam Dube performs exceptionally well in one or two matches, India can win the tournament. The CSK coach stated that when other players are performing well, it allows the team to accommodate Dube effectively in a role.

"And you've got close to two games left in the tournament. If he has one or two days out, then you win the tournament. So that's a nice, mouthwatering position of a person to have in your lineup, especially when the people around them are playing well. If you're a little bit cold either side, then it can sometimes be a problem, but it's pretty good form all the way through that Indian lineup, so therefore he can be accommodated, and he can also be playing that role where potentially he could win the match," Fleming added.

The team management backed Dube throughout the tournament despite disappointing performances. The Indian team registered three consecutive victories in the group stage before the final match was washed out due to rain. The Rohit Sharma-led team continued their winning run in the Super Eight stage.

The Men in Blue defeated Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia in the Super Eight stage to secure a berth in the semifinal stages of the tournament. The team finished at the top of the table in Group 1. They will face England in the second semifinal match at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday, June 27.

Also read: Jonathan Trott shoots ICC in the face on behalf of Afghanistan after his team gets knocked out by South Africa in the semi-final