Aakash Chopra stresses the imperative for Shivam Dube to excel in Indias crucial 2024 T20 World Cup clash against the United States of America. Furthermore his mention of Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav as key contributors who must deliver against the hosts underscores the significance of their performances.
The two unbeaten clubs in Group A will face off in New York on Wednesday, June 12. The winner will secure a spot in the Super Eights.
Aakash Chopra chose runs from Dube’s willow as one of the items on his India wishlist for the match against the United States, according to a video posted on his YouTube account.
“Runs should come from Shivam Dube’s bat and decent runs. Two or three sixes should go into the stands because there is a role for him. A lot of people are trolling him currently. Forget the troll, think about the role.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener stated that the left-handed big-hitter will be an important player once the Men in Blue reach the West Indies.
“Why did you pick him? You picked him so that when you reach the West Indies, and you will have the big grounds and turning pitches, like the Guyana ground, you will need someone who can hit sixes.”
“Shivam Dube was your best choice at that point in time. We make a turnaround very quickly, We are even asking now for Yashasavi (Jaiswal) to open and Virat (Kohli) to be pushed down, and change everything. You shouldn’t do that. So Shivam Dube should score runs.”
Aakash Chopra
In India’s last game against Pakistan, Shivam Dube got three runs off nine deliveries and made a poor return catch to Naseem Shah. He stayed unblemished, although he did not score in the two deliveries he faced against Ireland.
“Rohit has still scored runs in one match but Kohli hasn’t scored runs” – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said that Virat Kohli needs to score runs to reestablish his rhythm.
“Runs should come from Kohli’s bat. Rohit (Sharma) has still scored runs in one match but (Virat) Kohli hasn’t scored runs, which will eventually be scored, I have no doubt about that in my mind. However, once the runs are scored, you get the rhythm back.”
“So I am thinking that he should score runs just for rhythm. Otherwise, I am not worried about quality, pedigree and form at all, but he should score runs. So that’s one of the things on my wishlist.”
Aakash Chopra
According to Chopra, India also wants Suryakumar Yadav to return to his run-scoring ways.
“I want Suryakumar Yadav to score runs, and proper and big runs, so that when you are reaching towards the Super Eights and have the big games, I want him to score runs. He should go forward with form and confidence.”
Aakash Chopra
Suryakumar scored seven runs off eight deliveries against Pakistan, chipping a catch to mid-off off Haris Rauf’s bowling. He scored a four-ball two against Ireland and was caught in the deep when attempting a huge shot to seal the victory.