Aakash Chopra praised Shivam Dube for proving the doubters wrong with his vital knock in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 victory over Bangladesh. When the Men in Blue were in trouble, the left-handed big-hitter smashed three sixes to score a 24-ball 34.
Dube’s knock helped India set Bangladesh a 197-run target after being selected to bat first in Antigua on Saturday, June 22. The Men in Blue then held the Bangla Tigers to 146/8 for an overwhelming 50-run victory, securing their place in the semi-finals.
In a video posted to his YouTube page, Aakash Chopra reflected on the second half of India’s innings and highlighted that Dube silenced his doubters.
“There were naysayers who were asking why are you playing him (Dube). However, the team, captain and Rahul Dravid thought there would be a day when spinners would be operating at the other end on a West Indian pitch and a big ground, and this boy can hit sixes, and he showed that by doing it.”
Aakash Chopra
Applauding the seambowling allrounder the exIndian opener highlighted his commendable execution of assigned duties.
“He scored 34 runs off 24 balls at a strike rate of 140. He also hit three sixes, didn’t hit even a single four, but he showed that he could do this job as well and that he had been selected for this job only. That was a very, very important knock.”
Aakash Chopra
Shivam Dube started carefully, hitting 10 runs off his first 15 deliveries. He scored 24 runs in his next eight deliveries before being dismissed by Rishad Hossain while attempting another huge shot.
“People who booed Hardik Pandya a lot in the last 2.5 to 3 months are singing his praises” – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra Highlights Hardik Pandya Proving Critics Wrong.
“It seemed like no one would go above 37. (Virat) Kohli – 37, Rohit (Sharma) – 23, (Rishabh) Pant – 36, Shivam Dube – 34, but then Hardik Pandya. People who booed Hardik Pandya a lot in the last two-and-a-half to three months are singing his praises.”
Aakash Chopra
The noted analyst remarked that the Indian deputy skipper is evidently regaining his former prowess showcasing a stellar resurgence.
“They are saying how well he and India are playing. He has been that guy who has been consistently scoring runs, and he batted very well in this match as well. When Hardik Pandya starts hitting sixes while standing in his position, you know he is at his very best. It seems like he is now in the right space mentally and physically.”
Aakash Chopra
Hardik joined Shivam Dube in the middle as India were reduced to 108/4 following Rishabh Pant’s wicket. The two added 53 runs in 5.4 overs before Hardik finished off after Dube was removed.