Shivam Dube might be the star of the T20 World Cup this year, Suresh Raina suspects. That is, if he performs strongly in the 2024 IPL.
On Thursday, January 11, Dube showed everyone his skills. He played great all-around in India’s win against Afghanistan in the first T20I held in Mohali. India won by six wickets. His stats included a run rate of 1/9 in two overs and he scored a solid 60 without getting out from 40 balls. This helped India hit their 159-run goal. They did this using six wickets and still had 15 balls left.
In a conversation on Colors Cineplex, Raina asserted that if Shivam Dube does well in the forthcoming IPL, he would be the most memorable player in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He declared:
“A lot of eyes will be on Shivam Dube in this IPL about how MS Dhoni uses him in Chennai. If he does well in the two months of the IPL, don’t be surprised if he is the Man of the Tournament in the World Cup.”
Suresh Raina
A prior player of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) thinks MS Dhoni could consider involving the all-around player in IPL 2024’s game. He expands:
“Since he is bowling, the captain could get a thought whether he can bowl two overs or if he can be used as a floater. He can bat anywhere from No. 4 to No. 7. When the matches will be played on the Caribbean or American wickets, he has a good slower one as well.”
Suresh Raina
In IPL 2023, Dube was not given any bowling opportunities. Given the Impact Player rule and the abundance of bowling alternatives in the CSK squad, it will be interesting to watch if he rolls his arm over this season.
“When your self-confidence is high, make as many runs as possible” – Suresh Raina on Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube was advised by Suresh Raina to capitalize on his strong form, saying:
“He picked up a wicket and when he got to bat, we saw the form. He spent a little time. The way he is showing form, he did well in first-class cricket also recently, when your self-confidence is high, make as many runs as possible.”
Suresh Raina
The former cricket player who is now a broadcaster believes that India may benefit from the seam-bowling all-rounder. He thought to himself:
“He has the passion and self-confidence. The attacking cricket he plays, we need a left-hander like that who can play in the top six. I feel Shivam Dube will get the ticket for the World Cup.”
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina pointed out that Dube shown that, even in T20 cricket, matches can be concluded by playing cricket shots. He did, however, add that the right-arm seamer has to work a bit more, particularly during his run-up.