In October 2019, Mumbai found themselves in a tight spot against Karnataka in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match. Despite being at 104 for 4 initially, the innings progressed to 169 for 6, seemingly headed for a loss. However, a remarkable innings by Shivam Dube changed the narrative. His explosive knock of 118 runs off just 67 balls, adorned with 10 sixes and seven fours, showcased his prowess as a powerful hitter, particularly against spin bowling.
While Shivam Dube had made waves in domestic cricket, his performances in the IPL didn’t quite match the expectations. However, his fortunes changed after being picked up by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2022 auction. Since then, Dube has shown significant improvement, with his batting averages and strike rates soaring, particularly in the 2024 season where he has been in sublime form.
One area of concern for Dube in the past was his ability to handle pace bowling. However, his performances for CSK indicate a newfound confidence against pace, with his strike rate against pace significantly improved compared to previous seasons. This improvement can be attributed to subtle adjustments in his technique, as evident from his approach against short-pitched deliveries.
The question arises whether Dube merits selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup. His ability to dominate spin bowling and the visible improvements against pace make a strong case for his inclusion. However, his limited contributions with the ball raise some doubts, although recent signs suggest he may contribute more in that aspect soon.
On the other hand, Hardik Pandya, once a sure pick for the squad, has been struggling with both bat and ball in the IPL. While there’s still time for him to regain form, Dube’s consistent performances might have edged him ahead in the race for selection.
In conclusion, Shivam Dube’s recent exploits have positioned him as a potential asset for India’s T20 World Cup squad. His ability to adapt and improve, coupled with his explosive batting prowess, could provide the X-factor needed for success in the tournament.
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