IPL 2024: Aakash Chopra Praises Shivam Dube As Essential Pick For T20 World Cup
Aakash Chopra believes that Shivam Dube should be included in India's T20 World Cup squad based on his strong performance in the shortest format of cricket. Chopra emphasized Dube's impressive showing, particularly in the recent IPL match against KKR on April 8, where he played a crucial innings of 28 runs off 18 balls to help CSK secure victory. According to Chopra, Dube's explosive batting abilities demonstrated throughout the tournament make it difficult for Indian selectors to overlook him.
How’s that for the Dube Smash 👊💥#CSKvKKR #WhistlePodu #Yellove🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/qqRRIqVkb1
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 8, 2024
Thanks to exceptional bowling performances from Ravindra Jadeja and Tushar Deshpande, CSK restricted KKR to just 137 runs. In the chase, Ruturaj Gaikwad played a crucial role with an unbeaten 67 off 58 balls, supported by Shivam Dube's explosive innings. Dube's rapid knock, featuring three sixes and a boundary, fueled discussions about his potential inclusion in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on June 1.
In a recent YouTube video, Aakash Chopra elaborated on how Shivam Dube's impressive performances in the T20 format are bolstering his prospects for selection in the T20 World Cup squad.
Chopra expressed his strong conviction that selectors would find it extremely difficult not to include Dube in the World Cup squad. He emphasized Dube's impressive batting form and highlighted the freedom he's been given to express himself on the field. Chopra suggested that Dube's consistent ability to hit sixes warrants serious consideration for selection.
Chopra further referenced Dube's impactful innings against KKR and discussed how India could leverage the 30-year-old's power-hitting prowess to their advantage in their quest for their first ICC trophy since 2013.
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Chopra noted that despite the challenging conditions where even players like Andre Russell found it tough to hit sixes on the pitch, Shivam Dube seemed unfazed. He picked the right deliveries and dispatched them effortlessly into the stands, showcasing his exceptional power-hitting skills. Chopra highlighted Dube's ability to take on fast bowlers as well. Overall, Dube's performances are compelling the selectors to seriously consider him for the World Cup squad.
Dube has maintained good form since India's T20I series against Afghanistan in January 2024, where he performed impressively and was even awarded the Player of the Series for emerging as the top run-scorer with 124 runs in three matches. He will aim to carry this momentum forward with CSK as the franchise prepares for their next match against MI on April 14.
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