On December 15, 2019, Shivam Dube made his one-day international debut against the West Indies. It was in Chennai, where he got to bat just six balls, making nine runs. However, it remains his only ODI game since. Just an hour and 15 minutes flight from Chennai is Colombo, where the hard-hitting southpaw can revive his 50-over career. But the question is, will he get a game straightaway in the first India vs Sri Lanka ODI on August 2?
Game-changing last few months for Dube
Last few months have been a revelation for Shivam Dube. Once an ‘out-of-favour’ all-rounder, Dube has found a second wind due to his impressive performances for CSK at IPL. Ever since his move to the Chennai franchise, Dube hammered 1103 runs at a strike rate of just under 160. In fact, he has hit as many as 79 sixes in that period, which is one of the most by any player, Indian or overseas.
He began his IPL 2024 also on a terrific note, bagging an average of 58.3 with a strike rate of 172.4. However, just when his name came up in India’s T20 World Cup squad, his form literally went downhill. 46 runs in his next five innings, including two ducks.
Mediocre T20 WC, match-winning cameo in Final
Unfortunately for India, Dube’s lack of form continued at the T20 World Cup. 0*, 3, 31*, 10, 34, 28 and 0 were his scores in the entire T20 World Cup 2024. Rohit Sharma, however, still persisted with him. Simple because of his abilities to bash spinners and the West Indies leg was majorly about to gain an advantage over opposition’s spinners.
Then came the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, where Dube showcased what he has to offer. On a difficult track at Barbados, he hammered 27 off just 16 balls. It made him possibly a fan favourite, etching himself in the annals of a T20 World Cup win!
What Dube has to offer!
With his recent form and experience, Shivam Dube makes a strong case for inclusion in the ODI team. His ability to adapt to different situations and provide balance to the team makes him an attractive option. As India looks to strengthen their middle order, Dube’s inclusion could be a game-changer.
It is obvious that Sri Lanka will be attacking India with spin for most of the 50 overs. That’s where Dube could be ideal, with his abilities to send ball a long, long way. He is a viable option of bowling medium pace bowling as well. Rohit even tried him in the World Cup as well.
How Riyan Parag can extend his Dube’s wait
Riyan Parag. When his name was called up for the Sri Lankan series, most of the fans were surprised. Simply because he didn’t have an ideal T20I series against Zimbabwe. Fast forward three T20Is, he has shown excellent resume of himself. Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir entrusted him in bowling across all 3 matches, where he bagged 3 wickets at an economy of 6.6.
Moreover, Parag was intentionally played as a designated finisher in those games, notwithstanding with his number four position for Rajasthan Royals (RR) at IPL 2024. This could mean that the toss up between Parag and Dube could go in the favour of the former, with him being a tempting option on the spinning wicket in Colombo as well.
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