The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee named their 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, and there was a surprise return for all-rounder Shivam Dube.
Dube, who has represented India in 21 T20Is since his debut in 2019, has been rewarded for a stellar IPL 2024 season with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). His explosive batting form, amassing 350 runs in just 9 matches at a phenomenal strike rate of 172.41, couldn’t be ignored by the selectors.
Sleepless Nights and Rohit Sharma’s Backing
In a recent BCCI video interview, Dube revealed his anxieties leading up to the squad announcement. “There are a lot [of emotions]. I couldn’t sleep thinking about it,” he confessed. However, he went on to share a conversation with Indian captain Rohit Sharma during the India-Afghanistan T20I series earlier this year that fuelled his motivation.
“When I came for the Afghanistan series, Rohit bhai told me ‘bowling bhi daalega, batting bhi milega tere ko (You’ll bowl and get to bat as well),” Dube quoted Sharma, “‘You just have to show what you are capable of.’” These words, according to Dube, became his focus. “If the captain tells you that they want to see you perform, it motivates you. When I was playing, all I was thinking about was how I could perform better and help my team,” he added.
Also READ: 4 reasons why India selectors didn’t pick KL Rahul for T20 World Cup 2024
Dube’s All-Round Value
While the new Impact Player rule in the IPL hasn’t allowed him to showcase his bowling yet, Dube remains a valuable asset with his medium pace bowling. His ability to provide crucial breakthroughs adds another dimension to his skillset.
Dube’s return to the Indian T20I fold marks a fresh chapter in his career. His explosive batting and handy bowling make him a potent all-rounder for India’s T20 World Cup campaign.
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