Former India cricketer Suresh Raina picked the X-factor of India for the T20 World Cup 2024. The ex-captain believes that Shivam Dube will be the key for India to win the tournament, which will be played in the USA and the Caribbean.
Shivam Dube getting a nod ahead of Rinku Singh in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 raised quite a few eyebrows. But with what he has done over the past few years in IPL, it would’ve been hard to ignore him.
Shivam Dube has been touted as the “spin-hitting monster”, which speaks a lot about what he has done over the past few years in the IPL. When other teams struggled to get going in the middle phase while playing against spinners, Chennai Super Kings passed that test with flying colors.
The sole reason behind that has been Shivam Dube. The left-hander has been sensational while playing against spin. The batter in the last two seasons in IPL has been the most consistent batter for Chennai Super Kings in the middle overs and one of the major 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 pretty well for him as Indian selectors were impressed with his ability, especially with pitches in the USA and the Caribbean offering help to the spinner.
In the IPL 2024, he racked up 396 runs in 14 innings with a highest of 66 not out and a strike rate of 162.30. He hit three half-centuries. He was among the reasons why the Chennai Super Kings were in the race for playoffs in the tournament.
Apart from his batting prowess, Shivam Dube could also be handy with the ball. The southpaw on the slow surfaces in the Carribean could be vital for Team India with his medium pace. Also, his presence allows the team to get the perfect balance.
Shivam Dube can be the x-factor for India to win the World Cup – Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina talked about the importance of Shivam Dube in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024. He stated that the batter has the ability to stand still while hitting those big sixes and could be the x-factor for the team. He believes that the team should play him in the XI as he can bowl as well. Speaking at the launch ceremony of the World Championship of Leagues, he explained (as quoted by India Today):
“He has to play in the World Cup. See, the ability to stand still while hitting those big sixes is very rare. Shivam Dube can be the x-factor for India to win the World Cup.
“So Rohit will have to take the call whether he wants to play Virat (Kohli) up the top, but then Yashasvi is also batting with a different kind of flair. If the situation arises, Shivam can also bowl for the side.”
It remains to be seen if Shivam Dube can get a place in the Indian XI for the World Cup or not. The first match for the team will be against Ireland on 5th June.
