Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist offered a valuable advice to the Indian selectors regarding India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad. He emphasized the inclusion of Chennai Super Kings' star all-rounder Shivam Dube in the Indian team for the upcoming mega T20 tournament in June. Gilchrist suggested that the Indian selectors should advise Dube, who is already in great batting form, to focus on practicing bowling to enhance his skills.
Shivam Dube's performance for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has been remarkable, marked by several impactful innings. His ability to score quickly, with a jaw-dropping strike rate of 157, has contributed significantly to Chennai Super Kings' success.
Notably, Dube has only been utilised by CSK as a bowler and is yet to bowl an over in the ongoing season.
Adam Gilchrist feels Rohit Sharma-led team India should pick Shivam Dube in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad, calling him the 'dark horse'.
"Shivam Dube, I think his form is irresistible. He's taken on spin bowling which we've known and witnessed for a while. But he's taking on the quick bowlers. He seems to be confident in his shot selection all around the ground," Gilchrist said on CricBuzz.
"If they get the message to him, to make sure he is at least bowling a lot in the nets. I know it is not match practice but you may even see him get a little bit more bowling towards the back end of the tournament. But whatever the case, he is too irresistible as a talent, an all-round talent to not take to the World Cup," he further added.
Shivam Dube's current batting form in the IPL has garnered strong support from fans for his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad as an all-rounder, potentially replacing Hardik Pandya. However, his limited usage as an Impact Player by CSK, coupled with his absence from bowling duties in IPL 2024, has raised doubts about his capabilities as a complete all-rounder.