T20 World Cup 2024: "If you ignore Shivam Dube..." - Aakash Chopra warns Rohit Sharma, Ajit Agarkar
Published - 29 Apr 2024, 05:12 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:10 AM
Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Shivam Dube should be part of India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Aakash Chopra stated that the selectors can't ignore him, adding that no one hits better than him in India at the moment.
Shivam Dube has scored 350 runs in nine innings at an average of 58.33 and an outstanding strike rate of 172.41. Dube is the second-leading run-getter for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2024. The left-handed batter has smashed three half-centuries with the best score of unbeaten 66 runs.
However, the 30-year-old didn't bowl a single delivery in the ongoing season, which can be a drawback to his candidacy. Either Dube or Rinku Singh can only be featured in the playing XI. The team management can make room for both Dube and Rinku by promoting Virat Kohli as an opener.
Shubman Gill Is Absolutely Scintillating And Sensational - Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra stated that Shivam Dube should not only be selected but also be a part of the playing XI, given his exceptional performance. Chopra described Dube as absolutely scintillating and sensational.
"The way the kid is playing, he is absolutely scintillating and sensational. I am saying that you shouldn't only send him but play him in the XI. The discussion is not about his T20 selection. In my opinion, you are compelled to play him in the XI," Chopra said.
"No captain, team management or selector can ignore him because if you ignore him, there is no player in India at the moment who hits better than him. If you make him sit on the bench, you will do a grave injustice," he added.
In the recent match against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), Shivam Dube scored an unbeaten 39 runs from just 20 balls. CSK posted a formidable total of 212 runs after being asked to bat first. CSK then bowled out SRH for just 134 runs, securing a convincing 78-run victory and moving up to third place.
Every Batter Has A Weakness - Mohammad Kaif
Speaking on Star Sports, Mohammad Kaif commended Shivam Dube for addressing his weaknesses against bouncers and wider deliveries. Kaif noted Dube's ability to hit pulls and sixes over extra cover as a sign of improvement.
"Every batter has a weakness. His weakness was against the bouncer or you could have trapped him by bowling wider lines. However, he has consistently become better. Now he is hitting pulls and sixes over extra cover. His game down the ground is fantastic. The bowlers also bowl in that area, that they shouldn't give room and should keep it within the stumps," Kaif said.
The T20 World Cup is set to be held in the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies. Rohit Sharma is anticipated to lead the team as captain. With squad announcements due by May 1, speculation surrounds players like Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and KL Rahul.
India hasn't won the T20 World Cup since its inaugural triumph in 2007. The Men in Blue suffered a heartbreaking loss to Sri Lanka in the final in 2024. The Indian cricket team made it to the semifinals in 2016 and 2022 but couldn't progress to the championship match.
