Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist has identified Shivam Dube as a potential game-changer for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, calling him the team’s ‘dark horse’. Gilchrist’s endorsement comes on the back of Dube’s exceptional performances in the ongoing IPL 2024 season, where he has been a standout player for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Dube’s Impactful Performance in IPL 2024
Playing a pivotal role for CSK, Dube has showcased his prowess as a dynamic all-rounder. He currently leads the CSK batting charts with 245 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 157.05. Dube’s ability to take on both spinners and fast bowlers with confidence has caught the attention of cricket pundits and fans alike.
Gilchrist’s High Praise for Dube
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Gilchrist expressed his admiration for Dube’s form and approach to the game. He lauded Dube’s aggressive yet calculated batting style, noting his confidence in shot selection across the ground. Gilchrist emphasized the need for Dube to continue honing his skills, especially in bowling, even if it means more practice in the nets.
“Shivam Dube, I think his form is irresistible. He’s taken on spin bowling which we’ve known and witnessed for a while. But he’s taking on the quick bowlers. He seems to be confident in his shot selection all around the ground,” he said.
Dube’s All-Round Potential
Apart from his batting exploits, Dube’s bowling prowess adds depth to his all-round capabilities. Gilchrist highlighted the importance of Dube maintaining his bowling skills, suggesting that he could play a crucial role for India in the T20 World Cup, both with the bat and ball.
“If they get the message to him, to make sure he is at least bowling a lot in the nets. I know it is not match practice but you may even see him get a little bit more bowling towards the back end of the tournament. But whatever the case, he is too irresistible as a talent, an all-round talent to not take to the World Cup,” he further added.
Tiwary Joins the Bandwagon
Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary echoed Gilchrist’s sentiments, naming Dube as his dark horse for the T20 World Cup. Tiwary praised Dube’s current form in the IPL, suggesting that he could carry this momentum into the T20 World Cup and emerge as a key player for India.
“Dark horse for India’s T20 World Cup will be Shivam Dube. The kind of form and flow he is in this IPL, he will probably be in the same momentum in the T20 World Cup,” he said.
Selection Committee’s Dilemma
The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, faces a challenging task of finalizing India’s T20 World Cup squad, with the competition for spots heating up. The return of Rishabh Pant has added to the competition, with KL Rahul and Sanju Samson also vying for the wicketkeeper-batter role.
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