Shivam Dube’s inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad was met with optimism. His reputation as a hard-hitting all-rounder made him a valuable asset, especially considering the spin-friendly conditions expected in the West Indies and USA. However, since his selection, Dube’s performances have been far from ideal, raising questions about his place in the team.
Dip in batting, concerns in bowling!
Against the USA, a glimmer of hope emerged with Dube getting a chance to bowl. However, this opportunity turned sour. The conditions at the Nassau Stadium favored pacers, and Dube, bowling his medium pace, looked ineffective. He conceded a costly 11 runs in his only over, the most expensive spell by any Indian bowler in the match.
Dube’s struggles began even before the World Cup. Despite a strong showing in the domestic season, his form dipped significantly. This lack of consistency has continued into the tournament itself. His batting has been a major concern, with scores of 3, 0, and a solitary 14 across three matches.
Will Rohit Sharma drop Shivam Dube?
Despite Dube’s struggles, there are arguments for keeping him in the squad. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, has shown faith in him so far, perhaps valuing his power-hitting capabilities in the middle order. Additionally, the team is about to move to the Caribbean for the Super 8 stage. These pitches are expected to be more spin-friendly, potentially suiting Dube’s batting style better.
However, the decision to retain Dube remains a tough one. His lack of form with both bat and ball is a significant concern. While Rohit Sharma might consider giving him another chance based on his potential, a continuation of this poor run could force the captain’s hand. With the knockout stages approaching, India will need all their players to be in top form, and Dube will need to find his soon to justify his place in the squad.
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