Former India coach Ravi Shastri has high hopes for big-hitting all-rounder Shivam Dube as he expects him to shine in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Dube, who plays for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, has been in impressive form this season, scoring 350 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of over 170. He is known for his destructive batting in the middle order and has hit 26 sixes so far in the tournament, second only to Abhishek Sharma among Indian batters.
Shastri believes that Dube’s ability to hit huge sixes and his effectiveness against spin bowlers will be crucial for India’s success in the T20 World Cup. He also praised Dube’s performance against pace bowlers, stating that he has mastered his batting approach against them. Shastri sees Dube as a match-winner who can change the game in a matter of balls, especially in the crucial number five-six position in the batting order.
India’s top-order batting has been a concern due to a lower strike rate, making a strong middle-order essential for posting big totals in the tournament. Shastri is optimistic about the combination of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and middle-order powerhouse Dube, highlighting Dube’s ability to maintain a high strike rate, which will be crucial in achieving competitive scores in major competitions like the T20 World Cup.
In addition to Dube’s potential impact, India will also draw confidence from Suryakumar Yadav’s form heading into the World Cup. The top-ranked T20 international batter showcased his skills with a 51-ball hundred for Mumbai Indians against Sunrisers Hyderabad, signaling his return to form after recovering from ankle injury and hernia operation. Yadav’s performance adds depth to India’s batting lineup and provides further firepower in their quest for a second T20 World Cup title.
Overall, Shastri’s endorsement of Dube as a game-changer and his expectations for a dynamic middle-order led by Dube and supported by in-form players like Yadav highlight India’s strengths and potential for success in the upcoming T20 World Cup. With a focus on setting and chasing big totals, India’s batting lineup looks well-equipped to compete against the best teams in the tournament and make a strong bid for the title. As fans eagerly await the action-packed matches, all eyes will be on Dube and his explosive batting to see if he can live up to Shastri’s predictions and make a significant impact on India’s T20 World Cup campaign.