Former Indian Cricketer Aakash Chopra has opened up on the All-rounder Shivam Dube’s chances in the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June.
Chopra on Shivam Dube’s Chances in T20 World Cup
Shivam Dube has been in impressive form in the T20 format for the national side and in the IPL franchise. He has been part of the CSK squad in the IPL 2024 season.
On this occasion, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that CSK all-rounder Shivam Dube should be included in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
Citing his impressive performance in the T20 format, Chopra has said that it is impossible for the Indian selectors adding he drew reference to his innings against KKR in the IPL 2024 on April 08 at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
Dube has been impressive during CSK’s victory over KKR with 28 runs on 18 deliveries.
“I am convinced that it will be impossible for you not to take him for the World Cup. How will you not take him? Just consider the way he is batting. A lot of people say that there is role definition and he has been given freedom. Whoever wants can have freedom and show if they can hit sixes so consistently,” Chopra said.
“Everyone who played in this match, including Andre Russell, felt it was very difficult to hit sixes on this pitch, and that it was a very big ground. It was nothing like that for Shivam Dube. He picked the right balls and hit them into the stands. He even hits fast bowlers into the stands. He is forcing the selectors to take him for the World Cup,” the former India opener added.
Shivam Dube has scored 176 runs in five matches at an excellent strike rate of 160.00. Aakash Chopra also praised CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for playing a responsible knock.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad, the way he batted and stayed till the end. He scored 46 against Gujarat. So it’s not that he wasn’t in form but had been dismissed thrice against left-arm fast bowlers. You need to score runs as a captain. He was the point of discussion yesterday as well that he would be in focus,” he added.
“He scored runs once again and said later that people might comment on his strike rate. I said no one would do that because you just have to see the match’s requirement, and the requirement of the match was for him to stay till the end as they would win in any case. So he stood till the end,” he added further.
Chopra appreciated Daryl Mitchell who was part of the CSK squad for the IPL 2024.
“When Rachin Ravindra got out, Daryl Mitchell was there for some time. (Ajinkya) Rahane had some calf issues. Daryl Mitchell batted very well till the time he was there. He plays spin well and got out to Sunil Narine, but his bat hit the ball well. He played a very good reverse sweep as well,” he added.
Coming to the tournament, CSK has secured fourth place in the IPL 2024 points table. They will be playing their next match against Mumbai Indians on April 14 at Wankhede Stadium.
After the completion of the IPL, India will be playing their first match in the Men’s T20 World Cup against Ireland on June 05 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.
