If Shivam Dube performs well in the IPL 2024, Suresh Raina believes he could win Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup this year. On Thursday, January 11, India defeated Afghanistan by six wickets in the first T20I match played in Mohali due to a strong all-around performance by Dube.
With six wickets and fifteen deliveries remaining, the Men in Blue managed to chase down a 159-run target courtesy of Dube’s unbeaten sixty-five off forty deliveries and return numbers of 1/9 in two overs. Shivam Dube didn’t bowl too much in the past, but he got the chance in this match, and he bowled well.
In IPL 2023, Dube was not given any bowling opportunities. Given the Impact Player rule and the wide range of bowling alternatives in the CSK squad, it will be interesting to watch if he rolls his arm over this season.
If he does well in the two months of the IPL, don’t be surprised if he is the Man of the Tournament in the World Cup- Suresh Raina
In a conversation on Colors Cineplex, Raina asserted that if Dube does well in the forthcoming IPL, he would be the most appealing player at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Suresh Raina heaped praise on Shivam Dube and said that it will be exciting to see how MS Dhoni will use Shivam Dube in CSK during the IPL 2024.
“A lot of eyes will be on Shivam Dube in this IPL about how MS Dhoni uses him in Chennai. If he does well in the two months of the IPL, don’t be surprised if he is the Man of the Tournament in the World Cup,” Raina said.
In the IPL 2024, the former player for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) believes MS Dhoni would be compelled to utilize the all-rounder with the ball.
“Since he is bowling, the captain could get a thought whether he can bowl two overs or if he can be used as a floater. He can bat anywhere from No. 4 to No. 7. When the matches will be played on the Caribbean or American wickets, he has a good slower one as well,” he added.
The attacking cricket he plays, we need a left-hander like that who can play in the top six- Suresh Raina on Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube was advised by Suresh Raina to capitalize on his strong form, saying:
“He picked up a wicket and when he got to bat, we saw the form. He spent a little time. The way he is showing form, he did well in first-class cricket also recently, when your self-confidence is high, make as many runs as possible,” Raina explained.
The former cricket player and current commentator believes that India may benefit from the seam-bowling all-rounder, saying that he plays attacking cricket and we need a left-hander who can play in the top six.
“He has the passion and self-confidence. The attacking cricket he plays, we need a left-hander like that who can play in the top six. I feel Shivam Dube will get the ticket for the World Cup,” he stated.
Suresh Raina pointed out that Dube shown that, even in T20 cricket, matches can be won by playing cricket shots. He did, however, add that the right-arm seamer needs to work a little more, particularly during his run-up.
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