Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has backed Shivam Dube for Team India’s squad in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Stephen Fleming highlighted that Shivam Dube’s powerful skill will be a potential asset for the Indian team during the ICC tournament.
Shivam Dube has shown excellent form with the bat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the last few years. Last year, he amassed 418 runs in 16 matches for CSK at a strike rate of 158.33. This season, the left-handed batsman scored 176 runs in five games at a strike rate of 160.
The all-rounder showcased his batting prowess during the T20 series against Afghanistan in January, scoring 124 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 158.97. His stellar performance earned him the Man of the Match award in the first match and the Player of the Series award.
I would have Shivam Dube in the side – Stephen Fleming
During the pre-match press conference, Stephen Fleming expressed his opinion on Shivam DubeyThe possible selection for the T20 World Cup. Fleming stated that he would include him in the squad, but acknowledged the challenge of being an Indian selector.
“Yes, I would have him by my side. Yes. Well, I love his power. I’m biased, right? But I think when you have something (power) like that… [I would take him]”,” said the former New Zealand captain.
“It’s probably one of the toughest jobs in world cricket, isn’t it? Being an Indian selector on the one hand, very jealous as a New Zealander, watching the amount of talent that’s in the program and the new players every game coming up, “ Fleming added.
India’s key players are actively participating in IPL 2024. Selection of the Men in Blue team for the tournament is expected to occur in early May, suggesting that performances in the IPL could influence final decisions on Template.
That will win better that design – Stephen Fleming
Stephen Fleming emphasized that selectors must define the desired player profile before finalizing the squad for the T20 World Cup. Fleming suggested that selectors should build a team around a cohesive style of play for optimal performance.
“The question for me is what kind of game plan do they want to play during the World Cup? What have they identified as the right style of play for India on the road and then put the players in that style?”“Instead of just picking players and trying to find a game plan, I would look at the style of play I would like and then pick those players.” [who] They are fit and can play whatever role best suits that design,” Fleming further added.
Shivam Dube is expected to be seen in action when the Chennai Super Kings take on the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 14.
The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team currently occupies the third position in the points table with three wins in five matches this season. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, suffered three consecutive losses in the tournament. However, the Hardik Pandya-led team bounced back with back-to-back wins at home.
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