Shivam Dube’s ODI comeback discussed as Nitish Kumar Reddy faces brutal criticism

Former India batter Robin Uthappa has raised concerns over Shivam Dube’s fitness for 50-over cricket ahead of the third and final ODI against New Zealand. Uthappa stated that he does not believe the all-rounder is fully ready for the physical demands of a 50-over match, despite visible progress in his fitness.

Dube has played only four ODIs for India so far, scoring 43 runs and taking one wicket. In List A cricket, he has taken 48 wickets from 62 matches at an average of 38.00 and a decent economy rate of 5.33. With the bat, the left-handed batter has scored 1121 runs, including one century and three half-centuries.

Do Not Think Shivam Dube Is Fully Fit For ODI Cricket - Robin Uthappa

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Robin Uthappa said that Shivam Dube has worked hard on his fitness and pace, but the ODI format still places heavy demands on his body. He added that T20 cricket suits Dube better and also described him as a deceptive bowler.

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“You know, Shivam, I do not think he is fully fit for ODI cricket. I do not think his body can manage the length of an entire match. He is not the quickest guy on the field," Uthappa said.

"That said, I do want to say he has improved. His fitness has improved, his speed has probably gone up by 5 to 10 percent, and his bowling speed has also increased slightly. His running speed, which earlier felt very heavy for an athlete, has improved after working on it,” he added.

“But I feel he has reached the upper limit of that scale. T20 is sustainable for him. And I think he is a deceptive bowler now. When he comes on to bowl, batters think they need to target him and score runs off him, and in that process, he ends up taking wickets. That is where he gets his wickets,” he added.

You Do Not Expect Hardik Pandya To Bowl 10 Overs - Irfan Pathan

During the same discussion, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared his view on Hardik Pandya’s role with the ball in ODI cricket. He said that India do not expect Hardik to bowl his full 10-over spell, and even seven or eight overs are enough.

“Even if he (Hardik) bowls, say, eight overs, that will do the job in ODI cricket. You do not expect him to bowl 10 overs. If he does, great. But even if he gives you seven- eight regularly, you don’t want anything else,” Pathan said.

Pandya is not playing in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. He was not cleared by the BCCI Centre of Excellence to bowl his full 10-over spell in a match, which led to his exclusion from the series.

You Look At Another All-Rounder, Someone Like Shivam Dube - Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan said that the team management must plan carefully around Hardik Pandya, who has missed several major tournaments due to injuries. Pathan added that it is important to fully back Nitish Kumar Reddy as an all-round option by giving Reddy confidence and consistent support.

“Among all-rounders, you have Hardik. Hardik has missed quite a few big tournaments at crucial stages. The 2018 Asia Cup due to injury, the 2023 World Cup, the Asia Cup final, all because of injuries," Patha continued.

"So you need to fully back Nitish Kumar Reddy. You need that. And if you feel he does not have that ability, then you look at another all-rounder, someone like Shivam Dube, who plays T20 cricket.”

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