Former India player Irfan Pathan had high praise for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Shivam Dube. This came after Dube’s impressive batting display versus SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their ongoing 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) clash.
Shivam Dube has shone brightly with the willow this season, amassing knocks of 34 not out, 51, 18, and 45 across CSK’s four games so far. He made vital contributions to CSK’s IPL 2023 title triumph too. The standout being his unbeaten 32 off just 21 deliveries in the final against Gujarat Titans (GT).
SRH and CSK clashed in match 18 of IPL 2024 at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Batting first, CSK suffered an early blow when Rachin Ravindra departed in the powerplay. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s dismissal in the 8th over led to Shivam Dube’s promotion ahead of Moeen Ali and Daryl Mitchell.
The 30-year-old cricketer started aggressively, smashing Shahbaz Ahmed for a boundary and maximum on just the 3rd and 4th balls he faced. The bowler struggled to contain Dube’s blistering assault. However, CSK lost wickets at regular intervals despite Dube’s fireworks. The Men in Yellow aimed for a competitive total on a batting-friendly pitch.
He continued finding holes to throw the ball over the fence as CSK’s scoreboard ticked. Irfan Pathan was impressed by Dube’s ability to hit SRH’s spinners for huge runs, and he turned to X (previously Twitter) to praise the former.
“Right now Shivam Dube is way ahead of any one in Indian cricket as far as spin hitting ability is concern! Indian selectors should keep a close eye on him for the World Cup.”
Irfan Pathan
With the 2024 T20 World Cup quickly approaching, numerous players are using the present IPL to build their case for the global tournament.
CSK’s Shivam Dube Steadies Ship After Early Setback Against SRH
As previously said, CSK found themselves in a difficult situation as opener Rachin Ravindra returned to the pavilion early in the fourth over. A good connection between Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane ensured that CSK cruised through the powerplay.
Dube then joined Rahane, forming a 65-run third-wicket partnership. While Ajinkya Rahane played second fiddle, Dube (45 runs in 24 balls) dominated CSK’s innings.
The visitors’ impetus halted following Dube’s dismissal, but Ravindra Jadeja (31* off 23) struck a few runs in the dying overs to assist CSK reach 165/5 in their 20-over quota.