Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has backed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Shivam Dube to make the cut for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June.
After being impressed with Dube’s forcefulness in the ongoing IPL 2024, Chopra suggested the Indian selectors to pick the CSK all-rounder for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in the West Indies and the US from June 1, after the ongoing T20 league final.
He played a stunning knock of 28 runs off 18 balls combined with three sixes and a boundary to help CSK chase the target of 138 runs with 14 balls to spare and 7 wickets in hand against KKR at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday . April 8.
Aakash Chopra backs Shivam Dube for T20 World Cup 2024
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “I am convinced that it will be impossible for you not to take him to the World Cup. How can you not wear it? Just consider the way he is batting. Many people say that there is a definition of roles and that they have been given freedom. Whoever wants can have freedom and show if he can hit sixes with such regularity.”
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He further explained: “Everyone who played in this match, including Andre Russell, felt that it was very difficult to score six on this pitch and that it was a very big ground. For Shivam Dube it was nothing of the sort. He picked the right balls and put them into the stands. He even throws fast players into the stands. He is forcing the selectors to take him to the World Cup.”
Notably, Dube has so far amassed 176 runs in his 5 outings at a strike rate of 160 in the ongoing IPL 2024. Meanwhile, the former Indian batsman also praised CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for playing a brilliant knock of unbeaten 67 runs in 58 balls against KKR. in Chennai.
Aakash Chopra praised Ruturaj Gaikwad and Daryl Mitchell
The cricket commentator also praised Ruturaj Gaikwad for his batting performance and resilience against KKR. He further highlighted Gaikwad’s previous innings, where he scored 46 runs against the Gujarat Titans, saying that despite being in good form, he had faced challenges against left-arm fast bowlers and was dismissed three times by them.
Highlighting the importance of Gaikwad’s role as captain, Chopra said that the captain must lead by example and score runs and he has been doing his job brilliantly. Chopra also praised Daryl Mitchell for his 25-run cameo off 19 balls against KKR. He said the New Zealand all-rounder also did a very good reverse sweep.
Talking about Gaikwad’s success rate, Chopra feels that criticism about it is simply unwarranted. He explained that in the context of the match, Gaikwad’s main objective was to stay in the box and finish the match for CSK. Therefore, Gaikwad’s decision to prioritize staying until the end was justified.