With Hardik Pandya presently out injured, Shivam Dube has emerged as a top quality alternative for him.
Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has brazenly advocated for Shivam Dube’s inclusion in the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Ashwin’s endorsement comes on the heels of Dube’s standout performances in the T20I sequence in opposition to Afghanistan, the place his back-to-back half-centuries performed a vital function in India’s 3-0 sequence victory. Not solely did Dube showcase his batting prowess, however his bowling, regardless of yielding solely two wickets, left a long-lasting impression.
Ashwin’s help is rooted in Dube’s all-around skills showcased in the sequence. Drawing parallels with Indian cricket legend Yuvraj Singh, Ashwin described Dube as a ‘Yuvraj Singh lite’ package deal, emphasizing his potential affect akin to Yuvraj’s affect throughout his taking part in days.
‘Hardik Pandya is an indispensable member of the Indian crew. However, with Shivam Dube’s emergence, particularly in circumstances just like CSK in the West Indies, he turns into a spin-hitting monster,’ Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. ‘I can proudly name him a ‘Yuvraj Singh lite’ package deal. There are so many aspects of Yuvraj Singh that I see in his sport – the downswing, the peak, and the attain. I’m not saying he is precisely like Yuvraj Singh, however he jogs my memory a variety of him. The magnificence right here is that he hits spin straight down the bottom,’ he added.
Beyond batting, Dube’s progress as a bowler has not gone unnoticed. Ashwin highlighted the all-rounder’s evolution in including variations to his bowling, a talent essential in the fast-paced and unpredictable T20 format.
‘When Suryakumar Yadav is taking part in at one finish, a crew may attempt to suppress him by taking part in a left-arm spinner. When Shivam Dube is on the different finish, this can be a nice mixture to have. The choices he offers to the crew are large. He can bowl two overs of his quota too. He has proved that he can bowl cutters and has developed a back-of-the-hand slower supply as nicely. It has simply added value in gold going into this World Cup,’ concluded Ashwin.
Ashwin’s endorsement holds significance, notably with the T20 World Cup set in the West Indies, the place circumstances resemble Chepauk, probably favoring Dube’s strengths. This help from the seasoned off-spinner bolsters Dube’s case for a spot in the World Cup squad, reflecting confidence in his means to make a big contribution to the crew’s success in the match.
