New Delhi: The Indian cricket team, who were missing the sixth bowling option and an explosive batter down the order after Hardik Pandya’s injury, has finally found a like-for-like replacement in the form of southpaw Shivam Dube. Shivam Dube, who failed to impress the BCCI management in his first stint with the national team after making his debut against Bangladesh in 2019, is making the most of the given opportunity in the home T20I series against Afghanistan. Dube, in two matches, has scored 123 runs with an outrageous average of 123 while also picking two wickets in the series so far. Hatrick of sixes #ShivamDube pic.twitter.com/BLGSoRfsft — Anju Meghwal (@Anju_Megh) January 14, 2024 Notably, with Hardik Pandya constantly struggling with injuries, leaving the team in tough spots, the BCCI management can look towards Dube as he can bowl two-three overs as the sixth bowling option and can also use his long-handle batting prowess to provide crucial acceleration during the final overs of the match, making him the perfect Hardik Pandya replacement. Shivam Dube said, "Rohit Sharma backed me and said to me that I can do it from any situation" #RohitSharma𓃵 #ShivamDubey pic.twitter.com/0pW9ejb127 — Krishna (@Sigmakrixhna) January 12, 2024 “The credit goes to Mahi Bhai.”- Shivam Dube The Mumbai-based southpaw, who plays for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, gave credit to his CSK skipper and management for a second wind in his career, as, according to Dube, he grew as a person and cricket during his time with Chennai Super Kings. According to Dube, Dhoni keep giving him advises and suggestions for how to tackle the problems in his batting style and approach. Dube mentioned that at CSK, you are not forced to do magic, as they prefer players to focus on their natural playing style and should try to avoid trying out too many different things to stay relevant. The third match against Afghanistan on Wednesday will be India’s final international T20 match before the T20 World Cup in June later this year, and Dube will try to continue his tremendous form and cement his place in the T20i World Cup team. Dube and Yashasvi to get central contracts According to some media reports, BCCI is planning to hand Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube a central contract in the upcoming financial year. Shivam Dube with a humongous six...!!!pic.twitter.com/Jm0Ou0SD7w — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 11, 2024 However, no official statement regarding the same has not been issued, and the authenticity of the news cannot be confirmed for time being.
