Former cricketer Rohan Gavaskar acknowledged that all-rounder Shivam Dube has secured his place in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2023. Rohan Gavaskar’s comments followed Shivam Dube’s impressive performance in the ongoing series against Afghanistan.
Shivam Dube was called up to the team in the absence of Hardik Pandya, who was ruled out due to injury. The left-handed batsman grabbed the opportunity and was instrumental in India’s series win. He scored two consecutive half-centuries in the series.
The 30-year-old scored 63 runs off 32 balls during India’s six-wicket win in the second T20I in Indore on Sunday, January 14. The left-hander reached his half-century mark off 22 balls and stayed till the end. He hit five boundaries and four maximums in the knock from him.
Shivam Dube is doing his best – Rohan Gavaskar
In a conversation with Cricbuzz, Rohan Gavaskar claimed that Shivam Dube has evolved beyond being a backup to Hardik Pandya. Gavaskar said Dube has successfully established himself at the highest level, making it difficult for selectors to exclude him.
“We’ve been talking about him like, ‘Oh, listen, what if Hardik isn’t fit?’ I think what he is doing is making sure that even if Hardik is fit, he is on that plane in that World Cup team. If you do performances like this, it is very difficult for someone to drop you,” Gavaskar told Cricbuzz.
“It’s going to be a really difficult decision for the selectors if they decide to leave him. He is doing everything he can, which is giving the selectors a headache,” he added.
Shivam Dube’s T20 batting improved significantly after joining the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL. He scored 418 runs in 16 matches with an impressive strike rate of 158 in the last edition. Dube has become one of the most effective players against spin.
Shivam Dube now feels like he belongs at the international level – Rohan Gavaskar
Rohan Gavaskar emphasized that Shivam Dube’s recent batting performances have significantly boosted his confidence, instilling in him the belief that he belongs at the international level. Gavaskar said Dube focuses on his own strengths rather than emulating others.
“After these two games, I think he now feels like he belongs at the international level. He has the appreciation and respect of his teammates because he put in two absolutely wonderful performances,” Gavaskar added.
“I think he feels a lot more comfortable with his own game. He knows his own game better. Now he doesn’t try to copy anyone. He’s saying, ‘This is what I can do and what I bring to the table.'”
Afghanistan posted a total of 172 runs after batting first in the second T20I. Axar Patel had an impressive bowling performance, taking figures of 2/17 in four overs. Arshdeep Singh took three wickets, while Ravi Bishnoi contributed with bowling figures of 2/39.
Also Read: IND vs AFG: Shivam Dube credits MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings for their performances against Afghanistan