By Zainab Shafiq 
Shivam Dube’s selection in India’s T20 World Cup squad has sparked discussions. Could he be the team’s game-changer?
Former cricketer Irfan Pathan highlights Dube’s all-rounding skills as the key reason for his inclusion. While the IPL’s “Impact Player” rule limited his bowling opportunities, Dube has consistently practiced bowling with the Chennai Super Kings. Therefore, Pathan believes Dube can provide valuable support with 1-2 overs when needed, adding depth to the bowling attack.
Dube’s true strength lies in his explosive batting. His stellar performances for the Chennai Super Kings showcase his middle-order prowess. He fearlessly takes on spinners and pacers, making him a valuable asset.
“Why Shivam Dube has been selected is that he can give you 1 or 2 overs. He has been regularly bowling in the nets for Chennai Super Kings. The reason he hasn’t got an opportunity [to bowl] is because of the Impact Player rule; he hasn’t been able to bowl in the game, he hasn’t been on the field as well. But he is surely bowling, and when the time comes and the need comes, he can bowl at least 1 or 2 overs for Team India,” he said.
“As far as his hitting ability, one match-up that I was really looking forward to in this IPL was against Sunrisers Hyderabad when he was playing against Pat Cummins. I wanted to see what Pat Cummins was actually going to bowl against Shivam Dube. He had a plan to bowl outside the off stump, short deliveries. I knew he was going to bowl that, and I wanted to see how Shivam would counter that as well. Because to counter that kind of planning against Pat Cummins, you might face if the time comes against Australia, and he hit one six on the backfoot against that slow delivery out of the park.
And that made me really happy. It made me feel, and I’m sure the selectors thought that as well, that okay, he’s doing the same thing that he’s doing to other bowlers against a top-quality Australian mindset kind of guy in Pat Cummins. So, that made me comfortable that he will perform. Yes, handling pressure at crucial times will be a question mark, but you will hope that he will be able to perform,” Pathan added.
One such instance was against Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins. Despite Cummins’ tactics, Dube smashed a six off a slow delivery, demonstrating his ability to adapt and handle pressure.
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif emphasizes the importance of Dube in the starting lineup. In fact, Kaif believes Dube’s aggressive batting and part-time bowling bring balance to the team. He sees Dube batting at number six, followed by Hardik Pandya, creating a strong middle order.
Kaif’s analysis highlights the importance of players like Dube who excel in high-pressure situations. Dube’s recent form and fearless approach make him a threat to any opponent, boosting India’s World Cup chances.
“There was a time when batsmen used to bowl, even as part-time bowlers. But now that trend isn’t there anymore. You do get a benefit from it, but I believe that Dube should have a place in that squad, from the first match itself. Look, it’s going to be Rohit Sharma, Jaiswal, Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, then at six would be Dube followed by Hardik Pandya. Then you have to pick between Jadeja and Axar Patel at eight. Kuldeep will be my first-choice spinner, so he will play at number nine. And then the two fast bowlers should be Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh,” Kaif said.
“Hardik Pandya can give you some overs, so you will have 4 proper bowling options, and then you have the option of bowling Pandya or Dube. If Pandya is bowling well, he will bowl four overs; if he isn’t, they will adjust the overs with Dube.
I think this will be a very balanced side. Even if you play Dube at 5, and Hardik bats after him, that’s good because Dube is in such form, his six-hitting ability even with spin, against Rashid Khan, he hit the first and second balls for six. Rashid Khan is one of the most dangerous bowlers in the world, so if Dube is attacking him also, you can imagine the mindset that this boy possesses. So, we should not leave a player like him out of the playing 11. Find a place for him and play him,” he added.
Shivam Dube’s inclusion signifies a strategic move to strengthen both the batting and bowling departments. With his all-round skills and aggressive mindset, Dube has the potential to be India’s game-changer in the upcoming T20 World Cup. All eyes will be on him to deliver match-winning performances on the global stage.