Hardik Pandya’s spot in danger? Rohit Sharma grooms Shivam Dube as bowler for T20 WC

Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube has been putting in hard yards in the practice session ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. The Mumbai player was included in the squad after his sensational performances with the bat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. 

Shivam Dube, who of late has been sensational with the bat, hasn’t bowled much but it’s fair to say that he’s more than a handy bowler for any team he plays for. The all-rounder didn’t get much opportunity to bowl in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). 

Shivam Dube bowled just one over throughout the IPL 2024. He gave away 14 runs and picked up one wicket as well. However, with him now being with the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024, it’s fair to say that he will have to be equally good with the ball as well. 

Shivam Dube himself would’ve realized the same as he was seen having an intense session with the ball during India’s practice session ahead of the warmup game against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2024. The match will be played on 1st June in New York. 

Shivam Dube was seen bowling to skipper Rohit Sharma in the nets. The all-rounder bowled well but was getting some guidance from the captain about what lengths he should be bowling at. 

Here’s the video: 

Shivam Dube’s bowling and getting advice from the skipper Rohit Sharma could well be an indication that India sees him as a proper all-rounder in the team. There are chances that he might be a regular in the team and if he bowls too, he could be a big plus for the team. 

Shivam Dube was in a tremendous touch in the IPL 2024. He destroyed spinners with his six-hitting ability and with surfaces in the USA and the Caribbean favoring spin, he could be a vital cog in the wheel for Team India and might well be utilized as a floater in the the team. 

Hardik Pandya or Shivam Dube – who should India play in the XI for the T20 World Cup 2024 

One of the headaches that India management will be having going into the T20 World Cup 2024 will be playing between Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube in the team. Both possess huge quality and it will be tough for them to bench one. 

Considering the recent form, Shivam Dube has been ahead of Hardik Pandya. In the IPL  2024, he racked up 396 runs in 14 innings with a highest of 66 not out and a strike rate of 162.30. He hit three half-centuries. He was one of the main reasons behind the dominance of Chennai Super Kings in the middle overs. 

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya scored 216 runs at an average of 18.00 and a strike rate of 143.04, with the best score of 46. He also took 11 wickets at a poor average of 35.18 and an economy rate of 10.75. It remains to be seen who among the duo will play in the XI. India will open their campaign in T20 World Cup 2024 on 5th June against Ireland.