BCCI is gearing up to announce India’s T20 World Cup squad, and the cricket community is abuzz with speculation. However, the former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, Adam Gilchrist has identified CSK youngster Shivam Dube as a necessary inclusion for the squad.
Shivam Dube: The ‘dark horse’
Shivam Dube has been a standout performer for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024, leading the team’s batting with 245 runs in seven matches at a strike rate 157.05. His highest score this season is 66*, with two half-centuries to his name. Adam Gilchrist sees Dube as a “dark horse” for India’s T20 World Cup squad. He praises Dube’s ability to take on both spinners and fast bowlers, highlighting his potential as an all-rounder.
“Shivam Dube, I think his form is irresistible. He’s taken on spin bowling which we’ve known and witnessed for a while. But he’s taking on the quick bowlers. He seems to be confident in his shot selection all around the ground,” he said speaking on CriccBuzz.
“If they get the message to him, to make sure he is at least bowling a lot in the nets. I know it is not match practice but you may even see him get a little bit more bowling towards the back end of the tournament. But whatever the case, he is too irresistible as a talent, an all-round talent to not take to the World Cup,” he further added.
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Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary echoed Gilchrist’s sentiment, noting Dube’s consistent form in the IPL. The selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, has a challenging task ahead in picking the best team for the World Cup.
“Dark horse for India’s T20 World Cup will be Shivam Dube. The kind of form and flow he is in this IPL, he will probably be in the same momentum in the T20 World Cup,” he said.
Three-way battle for wicketkeeper-batter position
Another key topic is the wicketkeeper-batter position, with Rishabh Pant returning to action after his long hiatus due to a car accident. During Pant’s absence, KL Rahul stepped in during the last ODI World Cup. But for the upcoming T20 World Cup, there’s a three-way contest for the spot among Pant, Rahul, and Sanju Samson, who’s been in top form in IPL 2024.
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