Cricket

Shivam Dube Ruled Out of Bangladesh T20I Series with Back Injury; Tilak Varma Named ReplacementNew Delhi: India's preparations for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh have suffered a major setback with the news that star all-rounder Shivam Dube has been ruled out due to a back injury. The three-match series is set to commence on Sunday in Gwalior.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Dube's unavailability in a social media post, stating that he will miss the entire series. The board also announced that left-handed batter Tilak Varma has been named as his replacement.Dube's injury is a significant blow to the Indian team, as he has been a key contributor in the T20I format. In 33 T20I appearances for India, he has amassed 448 runs and claimed 11 wickets.It is understood that Dube's back injury resurfaced during training in Mumbai prior to the Bangladesh series. Despite traveling to Gwalior, the pain persisted, causing discomfort during training sessions.The 21-year-old Varma, who has played 16 T20Is for India, will join the squad in Gwalior on Sunday morning. He has scored 336 runs and taken two wickets in the shortest format of the game.Varma's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his impressive performances for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, he has recently been sidelined due to an injury, which prevented him from being selected for the T20I series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.With Dube's absence, India will have to rely on other all-rounders in the squad, such as Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar. The team will also be hoping that Varma can make a quick impact and fill the void left by Dube.

Shivam Dube's resurgence in international cricket has been a testament to his determination and the transformative power of a supportive environment. After a promising start in 2020, Dube's career stalled, but a move to Chennai Super Kings in the IPL proved to be a turning point.Under the guidance of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Stephen Fleming, Dube was assigned a specific role: to neutralize spin in the middle overs. With a stable position in the upper middle order, he received the confidence and belief that he could dominate with his power and timing. The backroom staff invested countless hours in honing his range-hitting prowess, and the results were spectacular.In the 2022 IPL season, Dube amassed 289 runs at an average of 28.90 and a strike rate of 156.22. His consistent performances earned him a recall to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup in 2023. While he didn't have many opportunities to showcase his batting skills, his combined returns of 47 runs (undefeated) in 35 balls in two events earned him a shot against Afghanistan.Dube responded with aplomb, scoring an unbeaten 60 in Mohali and 63 not out in Indore. His power-hitting had stormed him into contention for a place in the T20 World Cup in the Americas, where he battled for the middle-order slot/finisher's role with Rinku Singh.Despite the introduction of the Impact Player in the IPL, which has stunted the growth of Indian all-rounders, Dube's selection for the World Cup was a testament to his pure batting prowess. He showcased another facet of his batting – the ability to adapt to the situation.On a challenging surface at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, Dube played a measured innings of 31 off 35, helping India overcome a precarious position against the United States. As the tournament moved to the Caribbean, Dube's power-hitting returned, with vital contributions against Bangladesh, Australia, and South Africa.Dube's reintegration into the one-day format is seen as a middling long-term option, as an insurance for Hardik Pandya. However, his performances in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka have shown his potential. He picked up his maiden wicket and almost took India past the finish line with a quickfire 25 off 24.Dube's journey is a reminder that even after setbacks, hard work and the right environment can lead to a successful comeback. While he may not be the most athletic fielder, his hunger and desire with the bat make him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Shivam Dube's stellar performance in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) propelled him to the Indian national cricket team and a coveted spot in the T20 World Cup squad. As the second-highest run-scorer for the Chennai Super Kings, Dube amassed 396 runs with an impressive strike rate of 162.29.His consistent batting throughout the tournament earned him a place in India's playing eleven. In the final against South Africa, Dube's crucial 27-run innings, alongside Virat Kohli's 76, forged a 57-run partnership that proved pivotal in India's six-run victory.Dube credits the IPL for his growth as a cricketer. "It provides a fantastic platform for young talent to showcase their skills alongside some of the best players in the world," he said. "Personally, playing in the IPL has been a significant learning experience, helping me improve my game and gain confidence."He also acknowledges the IPL's contribution to Indian cricket's growth. "Since its inception, the IPL has brought in new fans, increased the popularity of the sport, and created numerous opportunities for players at all levels," Dube added. "The exposure and competitive environment of the IPL have elevated the standards of Indian cricket."Despite a modest performance in the T20 World Cup, Dube's unwavering belief in his abilities, instilled by captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid, kept him focused. "Their faith in my abilities and their guidance helped me stay focused and believe in myself," he said.Dube's determination was evident in his Player of the Match performance in the final T20I against Zimbabwe, where he scored a quickfire 26 off 12 balls. He is now set to represent India in the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka.Shivam Dube's journey from IPL star to international cricketer is a testament to the transformative power of the league. His success highlights the IPL's role in nurturing young talent and contributing to the growth of Indian cricket on the global stage.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's international debut has been put on hold due to an undisclosed injury, forcing him to withdraw from India's T20I tour of Zimbabwe. Shivam Dube has been called up as his replacement in the 15-member squad.Reddy, a promising 21-year-old seam bowling allrounder, earned his maiden India call-up after an impressive IPL 2024 season with Sunrisers Hyderabad. He amassed 303 runs at a strike rate of 142.92 and claimed three wickets in 13.1 overs.In his second IPL innings, Reddy played a pivotal role in SRH's two-run victory over Punjab Kings, scoring a quickfire 64 off 37 balls. He also contributed an unbeaten 76 off 42 balls against Rajasthan Royals later in the tournament. With the ball, he dismissed notable batters like Rishabh Pant, Tristan Stubbs, and Jitesh Sharma.Reddy has been part of the BCCI's target group of young players under the NCA's supervision for the past year. His replacement, Shivam Dube, is a member of India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad. While his performance in the tournament has been modest, he had a stellar IPL 2024 season.Dube, primarily batting in the middle overs, emerged as Chennai Super Kings' spin-hitter, scoring 396 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 162.29. He was CSK's second-highest run-scorer behind Ruturaj Gaikwad.India will face Zimbabwe in a five-match T20I series in Harare starting on July 6. With senior players rested, Shubman Gill will lead the squad, which includes maiden India call-ups for Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, and Tushar Deshpande.

Shivam Dube's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad has come under scrutiny following his underwhelming performances with both bat and ball. The all-rounder has failed to replicate his impressive IPL form for the Chennai Super Kings, raising questions about his place in the playing eleven.Dube's selection was based on his ability to hit spinners for sixes in the middle overs, a skill that impressed captain Rohit Sharma and the selectors. However, in four innings at the World Cup, he has managed only 44 runs, with a highest of 31 not out against USA.Compounding Dube's batting struggles is his limited use as a bowler. Rohit has only asked him to bowl one over in the tournament, which he conceded 11 runs in against USA. This reluctance to utilize Dube's bowling ability further weakens his case for inclusion.If India decide to drop Dube, middle-order batsman Sanju Samson is seen as a more suitable replacement than Yashasvi Jaiswal. Samson has a proven track record against spin, a key factor considering Bangladesh's likely use of spin-heavy bowling.However, some argue that Dube should be given one more game to prove his worth, especially against Bangladesh. They point to his potential to counter spin and his ability to provide depth to the batting lineup.Ultimately, the decision of whether to retain or replace Dube rests with Rohit and coach Rahul Dravid. They must weigh the pros and cons of each option, considering the team's overall balance and the specific challenges posed by Bangladesh.

Shivam Dube, the Indian all-rounder, has been a prolific six-hitter in the Indian Premier League (IPL), averaging a six every eight balls. However, in his first 60 legal deliveries in the USA during the warm-up game, he failed to hit a single six.Despite his struggles, Dube remains confident in his abilities. He believes that the conditions in the USA, with unpredictable bounce and pace, demanded a different approach. Instead of trying to force sixes, he focused on playing according to the ball and finding ways to win matches for India.Dube's arrival in the West Indies has not been much different. The pitches at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados have also been challenging, with both seam and swing. Dube has spent more time bowling than batting in the nets, but he is confident that he will be ready when the time comes to hit sixes.India will need Dube's six-hitting ability in the Super Eight stage of the World Cup, where high-scoring grounds like Kensington Oval and St Lucia await. Dube has had two training sessions at Kensington Oval to adjust to the conditions, and he will rely on his instincts to determine when to go for big shots.While Dube may not have hit a six in his first 60 balls in the USA, he is confident that he will deliver when India needs him most. His ability to adapt to different conditions and his determination to succeed make him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Former Indian fast bowler Sreesanth has strongly advocated for the inclusion of wicket-keeper batsman Sanju Samson in India's playing XI for the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, Sreesanth's suggestion is not to replace first-choice wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant but to play Samson as a pure batsman in place of Shivam Dube.Sreesanth's reasoning is based on the premise that if Shivam Dube is not bowling, Team India would be better off selecting a more capable batsman like Samson. He believes that Samson should be included as a finisher, given his exceptional batting skills."If they (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) are opening, I don't see any reason to change the XI. Axar Patel is bowling well. If you look at Shivam Dube, yes, he hasn't played well in the first two games, but we know what he can do with the bat. But I would like to see one change, and that is Sanju Samson come in the team," Sreesanth told ANI."If Shivam Dube is not bowling, then Sanju (Samson) should be given an opportunity; we know he is good enough," Sreesanth emphasized.Sreesanth's suggestion stems from his belief that Samson is a hungry and talented player who deserves an opportunity to showcase his abilities. He also highlighted Samson's exceptional fielding skills, which would be a valuable asset to the team."I spoke to him the other day; he is hungry for an opportunity," Sreesanth said. "He is also a Superman fielder."Sreesanth and Samson share a common bond as they both hail from the state of Kerala in India. Despite Samson typically batting at number 3 in the IPL, Sreesanth believes he should be deployed as a finisher in the T20 World Cup."I feel Sanju comes in last along with Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. I think we can finish on a big score if we are chasing, with Virat being the chase master king. I don't see any score being that difficult for us to chase," said Sreesanth, a winner of the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 Cricket World Cup.Dube played a crucial role in India's victory against the USA. Coming in to bat with India lying at 39-3, Dube and Suryakumar Yadav ensured India reached home safely and qualified for the Super 8 stage.Samson enjoyed his most successful IPL to date before the T20 World Cup. He finished as the fifth-highest run-getter in IPL 2024, with 531 runs from 15 innings for the Rajasthan Royals.India are confirmed to face Australia and Afghanistan in the Super 8.

Sanjay Manjrekar, a renowned cricket commentator and former India player, believes that the experience of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could prove invaluable in the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup, even if they have struggled in the group stage.Manjrekar emphasized the importance of senior players delivering in crucial matches, stating, "You want to take your experienced players in World Cup to deliver when it really matters." He added that while it would be a bonus if younger players step up, the primary responsibility lies with the veterans.Regarding the future of Kohli and Sharma in T20 internationals after the World Cup, Manjrekar suggested that the decision would be made by the selectors and the players themselves. He noted that there is still a significant portion of the tournament remaining before such discussions begin.Manjrekar also commented on Shivam Dube's performance, expressing concerns about his ability to adapt to the Caribbean tracks. He highlighted the challenges of hitting through the line on pitches that may not be as conducive to power-hitting.Manjrekar praised the move to promote Rishabh Pant to No. 3, calling it a "brilliant move." He believes that Pant has been India's best batter in the tournament so far, showcasing his class on difficult pitches.Regarding India's spin bowling options, Manjrekar speculated that the team might opt for finger spinners (Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel) instead of wrist spinners (Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal) if the pitches in the West Indies offer significant turn. He explained that finger spinners are often more effective on rank turners.

Virat Kohli, India's premier batter, has endured a dismal T20 World Cup campaign, extending his poor form with a golden duck against the United States on Wednesday. The veteran opener has struggled to find his rhythm, scoring just 1 against Ireland and 4 against Pakistan in India's previous matches.Kohli's golden duck against the USA marked his first in an ICC tournament, highlighting the extent of his struggles. His teammate, Shivam Dube, expressed confidence in Kohli's ability to bounce back, stating, "He got out cheaply a couple of times, but he will come back scoring hundreds in the next three matches."Dube also acknowledged the challenges posed by the two-paced tracks in New York, which he likened to playing in a Ranji Trophy game. Despite his initial struggles, Dube regained some form with a 35-ball 31 against the USA, helping India secure a seven-wicket victory and advance to the Super Eight stage."I was struggling with my form and focusing on my process," Dube said. "But here, there was no pressure. All the support staff and coaches backed me and told me, 'It's difficult, but you have the ability to hit sixes, so apply it.'"Dube emphasized the need to adapt to the different conditions in the T20 World Cup, noting that his approach at the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League was not suitable for the pitches in New York.Kohli's poor form has raised concerns among Indian fans, but his teammates remain confident in his ability to regain his touch. With three Super Eight matches remaining, Kohli has ample opportunity to prove his worth and help India secure a berth in the semifinals.