Shivam Dube’s selection in India’s T20 World Cup squad was a gamble on his explosive all-rounding potential. While early struggles with the bat raised concerns, Dube’s recent gritty knock of 31* against USA has injected a much-needed dose of confidence into his campaign.
Just what the doctor order!
Dube’s initial outings were undeniably frustrating. Scores of 0, 3, and 14 painted a sorry picture for him. However, his temperament and ability to adapt under pressure came to the fore in the crucial encounter against USA. Playing on a tricky wicket that wasn’t easy for batsmen, Dube displayed remarkable composure, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 31. More importantly, he finished the match in style, hitting the winning shot and taking India to victory.
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A confidence booster for Dube!
This knock is a turning point for Dube’s World Cup journey. Not only does it silence the doubts surrounding his form, but the unbeaten nature of the innings provides a crucial boost of confidence. Dube can now enter the upcoming Super 8 stage with a clear head and a renewed belief in his abilities.
The upcoming Caribbean leg of the tournament offers spin-friendly pitches, a factor that could further benefit Dube. He is a proper spin basher and can easily harm opponents when on song. His handy medium-pace bowling could become a valuable asset, alongside his power-hitting in the middle order. With his confidence restored, Shivam Dube can now be a vital contributor to India’s quest for T20 World Cup glory, that has avoided India since the very first edition.
