New Delhi: Shivam Dube who had been anticipated to be one of the clinical finishers for Team India has faltered for the fourth time. In the three-group stage matches, Dube’s highest score was 31 which came against the USA.
Virat Kohli 🤦#IndvsAfg pic.twitter.com/F4gEwCwK8M
— Gagan🇮🇳 (@1no_aalsi_) June 20, 2024
In the matches against Ireland and Pakistan, his scores were 0 and 3 which was devastating. Dube was tasked to come lower down the order and swing the willow to give the team a powerful finish. However, in places like the Caribbean where the pitches are a rack turner, it is difficult to hit every ball out of the park.
Shivam dube 😭#IndvsAfg pic.twitter.com/MUEf3GMTXN
— विक्रम 𝘬ꪊꪑꪖ𝘳 🐦🪅 (@printf_meme) June 20, 2024
Naturally, India needs to look at someone who can strike the ball lower down the order and at the same time possess the calmness to hold on to the wicket if the need arises. One of the main contenders for the post who has been knocking on the doors of the selectors for his domestic performance is Sanju Samson. Samson possesses the mercurial ball-hitting availability as well as the maturity which is required in precarious conditions.
Is it time up for Shivam Dube?
The question around the inclusion of Samson is not ‘if’ but rather ‘can’. With the availability of both Rishab Pant and Axar Patel, Samson can easily fit in between as a right-hand batsman.
Furthermore, Samson being a right-hander will provide Team India with that superior edge over their opponent. India has already reaped huge dividends after making a small ‘tactical change‘. It included the inclusion of India’s premiere left-arm spin bowler Kuldeep Yadav. Yadav had a decent first game with figures of 2/32 from his quota of 4 overs.
#INDvsAFG
Surya Kumar yadav 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2k2dmCsqMu— theboysthing_ (@Theboysthing) June 20, 2024
Seeing the success of the bold decision taken by Dravid, the India team might give a shot to Samson as well. Apart from that Samson is equally potent against both spin and pace bowling options. Naturally, he immediately makes it into the Playing XI against Bangladesh.
