Shivam Dube couldn’t have asked for a better start to 2024 as he continues to display his prowess in the shortest format of the game. Not a regular on the T20I side, Dube has been in and out of the squad but hasn’t failed to impress whenever he makes an appearance.
Have India found a new Yuvraj Singh in Shivam Dube?
In Dube’s strides, shots and raw power, there is indeed a glimpse of Yuvraj Singh in the all-rounder. Perhaps, the CSK star could indeed be the Yuvi for India. Take for example, the monstrous sixes that Dube can strike and how it serves as a stellar reminder of Singh and his raw aggression at his very best.
Or for that matter, Dube’s ability with the ball as well. The ability for India to use the all-rounder effectively with the ball to get breakthroughs can be a crucial factor for the side as it would ideally add more balance to the XI.
The CSK star has remained unbeaten through his innings on both occasions he has played this year – in the 1st and the 2nd IND vs AFG T20Is. With scores of 60 and 63, Dube has showed that he could be the one India were looking for in the middle order – a more reliable replacement for Hardik Pandya who could do the talking with both ball and bat. Or even better, he could fill in the prized spot that India are looking to fill in since Yuvraj Singh brought the curtains down on his glorious career.
In 20 matches, Dube has scored 275 runs with the bat, averaging 45.83. As a bowler, there is much more work for the all-rounder to do, having just taken 8 wickets so far. However, it won’t be fair to blame just Dube for it, for the number of opportunities provided to him are very little in comparison to other players.
With India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup 2024 already underway, the current series is the best platform for Dube to put the selectors on notice. Naturally, he will have to bring his A game to IPL 2024, which will be the audition stage for the World Cup. And what is better for the all-rounder than playing under a World Cup winning captain in a world class side.
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