‘Even if Hardik is fit…’: Ex-India cricketer feels Shivam Dube deserves a spot in T20 World Cup squad – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube‘s outstanding performances in the ongoing Afghanistan series have created a selection dilemma for the Indian cricket selectors, especially with the imminent return of superstar Hardik Pandya to the squad.
Dube’s unbeaten 63 off 32 balls in the 2nd T20I helped secure a comfortable six-wicket win for Rohit Sharma‘s Team India, earning praise from former cricketer Rohan Gavaskar.
In the absence of Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav due to injuries, Dube has stepped up as India’s frontline all-rounder, showcasing his batting prowess and improved bowling skills. Gavaskar, speaking to Cricbuzz, highlighted the selection challenges the Indian think tank will face in the World Cup year, stating, “He is doing all that he can, which is giving the selectors a headache.”

Gavaskar acknowledged Dube’s crucial role in the absence of Pandya, saying, “We have been talking about him as, ‘Oh, listen, what if Hardik is unfit?’ I think what he is doing is making sure that even if Hardik is fit, he is on that plane in that World Cup squad. If you put in performances like this, it is very hard for anyone to drop you.”

Dube’s impressive contributions include a crucial 60 off 40 balls in the 1st T20I against Afghanistan, earning him the Player of the Match award. In the 2nd T20I, he registered his second successive half-century, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Gavaskar emphasized Dube’s growing comfort at the international level, stating, “After these two games, I think he now feels that he belongs at the international level.”
Dube, who also bowled the 19th over in the second T20I, has showcased an improved bowling performance, having lost weight and enhancing his skills. Despite conceding 20 runs, the experience gained in the bowling department adds versatility to his all-round capabilities.
As Team India continues its quest for a player with a skillset similar to Pandya’s, Dube emerges as a compelling option for the team.