Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has picked India’s X-factor for the T20 World Cup 2024. The former captain believes Shivam Dube will be the key for India to win the tournament, which will be played in the United States. United and the Caribbean.

The fact that Shivam Dube was nominated ahead of Rinku Singh in the Indian squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup raised quite a few eyebrows. But with what he has done in the last few years in IPL, it would have been difficult to ignore him.

Shivam Dube has been touted as the ‘spin monster’, which speaks volumes about what he has done in the last few years in the IPL. When other teams struggled to advance in the middle phase while playing against spinners, Chennai Super Kings passed that test with flying colours.

The only reason behind this has been Shivam Dube. The left-hander has been sensational playing against spin. The batsman for the last two seasons in IPL has been Chennai Super Kings’ most consistent batsman in the mid overs and one of the main factors behind their success.

Shivam Dube in the recently concluded IPL was magnificent as he looked to score runs quickly in the middle. This worked out quite well for him as the Indian selectors were impressed with his ability, especially with the pitches in the US and the Caribbean offering help to the spinner.

In IPL 2024, he amassed 396 runs in 14 innings with a high of 66 not out and a strike rate of 162.30. He hit three half-centuries. He was one of the reasons why Chennai Super Kings were in the race for the playoffs of the tournament.

Apart from his batting prowess, Shivam Dube could also be useful with the ball. The left-hander on the slow surfaces of the Caribbean could be vital for the Indian team with his medium pace. Furthermore, his presence allows the team to achieve the perfect balance.

Shivam Dube can be the x-factor for India to win the World Cup – Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina spoke about the importance of Shivam Dube in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024. He stated that the batsman has the ability to stay put while hitting that big six and could be the x-factor for the team. He believes the team should include him in the XI as he can bowl too. Speaking at the World Leagues Championship launch ceremony, he explained (quoted by India Today):

“He has to play in the World Cup. Look, the ability to stand still while hitting that big six is ​​very rare. Shivam Dube can be the decisive factor for India to win the World Cup.

“So Rohit will have to make the decision if he wants to play Virat (Kohli) at the top, but Yashasvi is also batting in a different style. If the situation arises, Shivam can bowl too.”

It remains to be seen whether Shivam Dube will be able to get a place in the Indian XI for the World Cup or not. The team’s first match will be against Ireland on June 5.