Cricket

Team India's impressive start to the T20 World Cup, with three consecutive wins, has prompted former pacer Sreesanth to suggest a change in the playing XI. Sreesanth believes that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson should be included in the lineup, potentially replacing all-rounder Shivam Dube.Samson, who opened in a warm-up match against Bangladesh, has not yet featured in India's World Cup campaign. However, Sreesanth believes that his versatility and current form make him a valuable asset."If Shivam Dube is not bowling, then Sanju should be given an opportunity; we know he is good enough," Sreesanth said. "The form he is in, and apart from wicketkeeping, he is a superman fielder."Sreesanth also highlighted Samson's ability to contribute in the lower order, alongside Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. "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."Dube's place in the team has come under scrutiny after he struggled with the bat against Pakistan and bowled only one over across three matches. Sreesanth believes that Samson could provide a more balanced option, especially if Dube is not contributing with the ball."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," Sreesanth said. "But I would like to see one change, and that is Sanju Samson coming into the team."Sreesanth's suggestion has sparked debate among cricket fans and experts. While some believe that Samson's inclusion would strengthen the team, others argue that Dube's potential with the bat should not be overlooked.

Shivam Dube, the big-hitting all-rounder from India, has struggled to adapt to the two-paced tracks at the T20 World Cup in New York. Accustomed to the belters in India, Dube found the conditions in Nassau County so challenging that he likened it to playing a Ranji Trophy game.Despite his initial struggles, Dube regained some form with a composed 35-ball 31 in India's seven-wicket win over the USA. The victory propelled India into the Super Eight stage of the tournament, which will be played entirely in the West Indies."I was struggling with my form and focusing on my process," Dube said about his previous failures against Ireland and Pakistan. "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 acknowledged that the conditions in New York require a different approach than what he is used to in the Indian Premier League (IPL). "These conditions do not demand what I've done at CSK. These conditions require a different approach, so I was batting differently today," he said.Despite his struggles with the bat, Dube has enjoyed bowling on these tracks. "It's definitely better to bowl here," he said. "I would have bowled more but was hit for a six and didn't get the opportunity."Dube also commented on the difficult conditions for batting in the makeshift stadium without proper stands for spectators. "Because of the backdrop, it's a bit difficult. Moreover, there is a lot of light, so it's a bit difficult to judge the ball," he said.Regarding Virat Kohli's poor form, Dube said, "There is nothing I can say about Virat Kohli because I'm not Virat Kohli. His bad patch means he got out cheaply a couple of times but will come back scoring hundreds in the next three matches. We all know his game and how he plays."

Former New Zealand skipper and Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has lauded Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube for his unwavering dedication to honing his bowling skills ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League season. Dube, who is an integral part of India's T20 World Cup squad, could play a pivotal role with the ball if the situation demands.Despite bowling consistently in the home series against Afghanistan, Dube only managed to bowl a solitary over during the IPL season. However, his bowling prowess came into sharp focus when he delivered three overs in the recent warm-up match against Bangladesh. His unique bowling style could prove advantageous on the low and slow tracks expected in the Caribbean.Fleming, in an interview with ESPNcricinfo, discussed Dube's progress and the impact of the IPL's impact player rule on his development as a bowler. "If his bowling is the way he talks about it, he's like Kapil Dev. He has been working really hard. He worked hard through the IPL. We had a number of players that could do the all-round role, and again, with the impact player rule, it actually diminishes the role of an all-rounder or a part-time bowler who bats well, which is a bit of a shame," Fleming said.Dube has taken eight wickets in 21 T20Is, with an average of 45 and an economy rate of 9.86. Despite these modest figures, his tall frame and gentle pace could be beneficial for Team India in the T20 World Cup. The team may require overs from players outside the main bowling attack, especially if they opt to play three spinners."He's been doing his bowling, he has had his loads up. He can be awkward [to face] in the right conditions, which you'd say would be a little bit slow, where his cutters and change of pace could play a part. He can play a part, he can do a job and he has worked very hard on it," Fleming added.As Team India prepares to kickstart their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland in New York on Wednesday, the inclusion of Dube in the playing XI remains a point of interest. His contributions, both with the bat and ball, could prove pivotal in India's quest for T20 World Cup success.

Shivam Dube, India's versatile all-rounder, is poised to showcase his multifaceted abilities at the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite limited bowling opportunities in the recent IPL, Dube has received assurances from the team management that his bowling skills will be utilized.Dube's bowling prowess was recognized during India's T20I series against Afghanistan in January, where he impressed the team's senior players. However, the Impact Player rule in the IPL restricted his chances to hone his all-round capabilities."Rahul bhai (Rahul Dravid) and Rohit bhai (Rohit Sharma) have told me that I might get to bowl 2-3 overs at any point," Dube revealed to Star Sports.Despite bowling only one over in the IPL, Dube made a positive impact by claiming a wicket. He acknowledged the need to improve his bowling and worked diligently in the nets.Dube's explosive batting, which saw him score 369 runs at a strike rate of 162.29 in the IPL, secured his place in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup. His bowling skills now offer an additional dimension to the team, providing flexibility to include an extra batsman.Dube's inclusion in the playing XI could potentially lead to the omission of Axar Patel. Rohit Sharma's decision to select four spinners in the Indian squad, considering the slow tracks in the West Indies, could be influenced by Dube's handy off-spin.India, one of the favorites for the T20 World Cup, will begin their campaign on June 5 against Ireland. Dube's versatility and potential to contribute with both bat and ball will be a valuable asset for the team as they aim to lift the coveted trophy.

Rohit Sharma Eyes Shivam Dube's Seam-Up Skills for T20 World CupIndian captain Rohit Sharma is considering utilizing all-rounder Shivam Dube's seam-up bowling abilities more frequently in the upcoming T20 World Cup. This revelation came during India's first training session in the US, where Dube was seen receiving guidance from Rohit on bowling lengths.Despite playing 14 matches for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the recently concluded IPL season, Dube bowled only six deliveries. However, he impressed with his solitary over, taking a wicket while conceding just 14 runs.CSK primarily utilized Dube's batting skills, asking him to target spinners in the middle overs. With his left-handed batting and ability to score quickly, Dube amassed 396 runs in 14 innings, including three half-centuries.However, Rohit may have a different plan for Dube in the T20 World Cup. With the tournament being played on slow, spinning tracks in the US and West Indies, India may need an additional seam-bowling option. Dube's medium-pace bowling could provide the team with some variety and control.Rohit's decision to explore Dube's bowling skills is a testament to his versatility and the team's desire to find the best possible combination for the World Cup. India has been waiting for an ICC trophy for 11 years, and Rohit is determined to end that drought.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has identified two uncapped players, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube, as crucial to India's success at the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.Jaiswal, a left-handed opener, impressed in the ICC World Test Championship series against England, amassing a record tally of runs. His explosive batting at the top of the order and fearless approach make him a valuable asset.Dube, a middle-order batsman, has been in scintillating form in the ongoing Indian Premier League, smashing 26 sixes in 11 matches. His ability to hit sixes at will and his prowess against spin bowling make him a match-winner.Shastri believes Dube's big-hitting could unlock big totals for India in the tournament. "His strike rate, which will be close to 200 most of the time, will help India immensely in going forward, getting those 190s, 200s that are needed in big competitions," Shastri said.Dube's impressive IPL performance, averaging over 40 with a strike rate of 170.73, has earned him high praise from Shastri. "He's big, he's strapping, and he hits a long ball," Shastri said.With their explosive batting and match-winning potential, Jaiswal and Dube are expected to play key roles in India's quest for T20 World Cup glory. Their ability to change the game in a matter of balls could prove invaluable in the high-pressure environment of the tournament.

Ravi Shastri Identifies Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube as Key Players for India's T20 World Cup HopesFormer Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has highlighted the importance of two debutants, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube, in India's quest for glory at the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Both players have been included in India's 15-member squad for the tournament, and Shastri believes they have the potential to make a significant impact.Jaiswal, a left-handed opening batsman, has impressed with his explosive batting in the ongoing IPL, where he has scored 350 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 170.73. Shastri praised Jaiswal's fearless approach and ability to hit big shots at the top of the order."He's young, he's fearless, and he'll play shots," Shastri said. "He's got the potential to be a match-winner for India."Dube, another left-hander, has also caught Shastri's eye with his power-hitting in the middle order. In the IPL, Dube has smashed 26 sixes in 11 matches, showcasing his ability to clear the boundary with ease."He's explosive, he's devastating, and he's a match-winner," Shastri said. "He hits sixes for fun, and when it comes to spin bowling, he can kill you."Shastri believes that Dube's big-hitting ability could be crucial for India in the T20 World Cup, where teams often need to score big totals to win matches."His strike rate, which will be close to 200 most of the time, will help India immensely in going forward, getting those 190s, 200s that are needed in big competitions," Shastri said.With Jaiswal and Dube in the squad, India has added depth and firepower to its batting lineup. Shastri is confident that both players can deliver match-winning performances on the global stage."The two gentlemen you've got to watch out for, and both are left-handers, both playing their first World Cup," Shastri said. "They hold the key for India."

Indian Players' Inconsistent Performances Raise Concerns Ahead of T20 World CupFormer Indian cricketer and analyst Aakash Chopra has expressed concerns over the inconsistent performances of Indian players selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Chennai Super Kings' Shivam Dube's recent first-ball duck against Punjab Kings has added to the growing list of underwhelming displays by Indian contenders.Chopra highlighted Dube's struggles, noting that he has now recorded two golden ducks in the IPL, both against spinners. He also analyzed CSK's batting performance, acknowledging Ravindra Jadeja's contribution but emphasizing the lack of momentum throughout the innings."After a strong start, wickets kept falling at regular intervals," Chopra said. "Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, and others failed to provide support, leaving Jadeja isolated."Chopra also questioned the consistency of other Indian players selected for the T20 World Cup. He pointed to Arshdeep Singh's expensive bowling performance against Punjab Kings, conceding 10 runs per over in a low-scoring match."What is happening to everyone who has been selected for India?" Chopra asked. "These inconsistent performances are a cause for concern ahead of the T20 World Cup."Chopra's observations underscore the importance of consistent performances by Indian players in the IPL, which serves as a crucial platform for preparation for the global tournament. The upcoming matches will be closely watched to assess the form and readiness of Indian contenders.

India's T20 World Cup Bowling Strategy Relies Heavily on SpinIn preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, India has devised a bowling plan centered around a heavy reliance on spin. The team's decision is based on the slow and sluggish wicket conditions expected in the region, as well as the early start times for India's matches.Captain Rohit Sharma justified the inclusion of four spinners and just three pacers in the 15-member squad. He explained that the morning start times, typically around 10 am local time, present technical challenges that favor spin bowling."With a morning start at 10-10.30am, there's a little bit of technical aspect involved in this," Rohit said. "The reason for picking four spinners is something I won't reveal now."The four spinners in the squad are Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Jadeja and Patel are left-arm spinning all-rounders, while Yadav and Chahal are wrist spinners.Rohit also highlighted the need for a middle-order power hitter to accelerate the scoring against spinners. He identified Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube as the player to fill this role."The one thing we really looked at was middle-overs hitting," Rohit said. "We picked Shivam Dube based on the IPL and a few games before the IPL as well."Dube has been in impressive form for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, smashing 350 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 171.56. He is expected to contribute with the ball as well, despite bowling only one over in this IPL.Rohit revealed that he had a clear idea of the World Cup squad before the IPL. "You make the playing XI in your mind and work around it," he said. "The talk of what our final 15 started much before the IPL."