New Delhi: Shivam Dube is one of those players who usually go unnoticed, achieving the unsung hero tag but it all seems to be changing for the southpaw after his recent heroics for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. CSK have played four games so far and won two and lost alike but it didn’t trouble Dube to perform who has scored 148 runs in four games at an impressive strike rate of 160.87.
Dube struck 45 runs off 24 deliveries as CSK were invited to bat first by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their Friday clash. The innings included two fours and four sixes as Dube’s strike rate went as high as 187.5. Although CSK lost the match by six wickets, the performance of Dube didn’t miss the sight of former cricketers Irfan Pathan and Matthew Hayden who heaped praise on his batting tactics taking on spinners as well as the pacers. The duo also reckoned that Dube should make the cut for India’s T20 World Cup squad.
Speaking exclusively to Star Sports on Cricket Live Show, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan said, “I would definitely select, if I would have been the selector, I will be keeping a close eye on him. And I would actually take him in T20 World Cup squad because he’s actually murdering the spinners.” Pathan felt that Dube doesn’t require to get set even against quality spinners which makes him utterly useful in the marquee event.
Pathan further stressed that Dube isn’t bad against fast bowlers as well because he comes from Mumbai where a lot of bounce is seen. The former all-rounder questioned who could play in the middle overs and finish the game and went on to name Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Rishabh Pant but stated Pant’s switch hit restriction when he gets a delivery outside the off-stump. “So, who else is there? Shivam Dubey, I don’t think so any other guy who comes even close when it comes to hitting and actually finishing and murdering the spinners,” Pathan added.
Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden on Star Sports’ Cricket Live said, “Generally, power hitters who love to hit the ball in these sort of ranges, they can really dominate in the Caribbean. So that’s an exciting prospect, actually. And, we’re talking about Indian selection with IPL and they go hand in hand because of the pressure, dovetailing, performances together.”
Hayden said that Dube’s addition to the T20 World Cup squad will be an interesting call. “I think it’s an interesting call and a watch this space, certainly. And he’s not doing it this season, he has done it last year as well. He has done it for a very long period of time. Last year also he was top class,” the former Aussie opener said.
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