Rohan Gavaskar thinks Shivam Dube, the all-rounder, has pretty much locked in his spot on India’s T20I team. His performances in the ongoing home series against Afghanistan have made an impact.
Gavaskar believes Dube isn’t merely Hardik Pandya stand-in anymore. He’s managed to create his own space at the top. Making it hard for selecters to remove him from the squad, Gavaskar informed Cricbuzz:
“We have been talking about him as, ‘Oh, listen, what if Hardik is unfit?’, I think what he is doing is making sure that even if Hardik is fit, he is on that plane in that World Cup squad. If you put in performances like this, it is very hard for anyone to drop you.”
“It is going to be a really tough decision for the selectors if they decide to drop him. He is doing all that he can, which is giving the selectors a headache.”
Rohan Gavaskar
Shivam Dube is showcasing strong skills in the current series with Afghanistan. His impressive stats include 60* and 63* runs in the initial two matches. Moreover, he’s achieved two wickets in the initial pair of games as well.
“He is not trying to copy anyone now” – Rohan Gavaskar on Shivam Dube
Rohan Gavaskar shared his views. He thinks Shivam Dube’s latest batting achievements helped boost his self-confidence. Now, Dube feels he is truly part of the international cricket scene.
He continued, saying:
“After these two games, I think he now feels that he belongs at the international level. He has got the appreciation and respect of his teammates because he put in two absolutely wonderful performances.”
Rohan Gavaskar
The former cricket player turned commentator said that Dube has concentrated on his skills and isn’t attempting to emulate anyone else’s approach. Gavaskar clarified:
“I think he is just a lot more comfortable about his own game. He knows his own game better. He is not trying to copy anyone now. He is saying, ‘This is what I can do and what I bring to the table.”
Rohan Gavaskar
India has secured a strong 2-0 lead in the three-game series. This makes the third match insignificant. The last T20I is set to take place at the famous M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, located in Bengaluru, on Wednesday, January 17.