The Indian cricket team has secured another series win, outclassing Afghanistan in a three-match T20 face-off on the home ground, while having a spare game up their sleeve. The void left by the absence of star players Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav meant that the Indian team management had to call upon the expertise of seasoned cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Two players who were invited to seize this opportunity were the T20 specialists Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube. Their inclusion comes at a pivotal moment as this series marks the last international T20 engagement before the prestigious T20 World Cup.
The spotlight has firmly fixed on Shivam Dube, who has emerged as a dominant force in the series. Not only has he captured a few precious wickets in the first two matches, but his batting showcase has been nothing short of stupendous. His performance comes following a transformative run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Chennai Super Kings, which seems to have completely revolutionized his career trajectory.
Dube has demonstrated his batting prowess with a sensational 60 off 40 balls, continuing his form with a swift and unbeaten 63 from just 32 deliveries in the stimulating atmosphere of Indore’s second game. These back-to-back half-centuries have not gone unnoticed, and they have, in particular, impressed former Indian cricketer Rohan Gavaskar. Gavaskar expressed his opinion on the platform Cricbuzz following the second T20I and articulated a significant claim regarding Dube’s potential spot in the World Cup squad, emphasizing how difficult it would be for the selectors to disregard him considering his recent accomplishments.
“We have been discussing the ‘What if Hardik is unfit?’ scenario. Now, I believe Shivam Dube is making a case for his inclusion even if Hardik is fit and ready. Performances of this caliber make it tremendously challenging for anyone to justify leaving him out. It will be an exceedingly tough decision for the selectors to drop him. He is giving them an absolute headache,” Gavaskar remarked.
Dube, who debuted in the T20 format back in 2019, has carved his way back into the national team based on his relentless efforts and consistent performances in the IPL, showing that he can indeed translate his domestic success onto the international stage.
As Dube’s confidence soars with his recent on-field achievements, Gavaskar noted a visible shift in the player’s demeanor. Gavaskar observed, “After these two games, I think he now feels that he belongs at the international level. He has earned the appreciation and respect of his teammates through two absolutely wonderful performances.”
Gavaskar further expanded on Dube’s newfound comfort and understanding of his own game. “He is a lot more comfortable about his own game. He knows his game better now. He is not trying to emulate anyone; he is defining what he can do and bringing his unique strength to the table,” Gavaskar concluded.
With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, the Indian team’s composition is under scrutiny, and performances like Dube’s are sure to spice up selection debates. His confidence and current form suggest that, regardless of who returns to the fold, Dube has undeniably thrown his hat into the ring for a spot on that plane, letting his performances argue his case for inclusion.
