Former New Zealand captain and Chennai Super Kings head coach, Stephen Fleming, discussed how Shivam Dube honed his bowling skills during the IPL 2024. The all-rounder has earned a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad and could contribute with the ball if required.
Dube stepped up as India’s seam-bowling all-rounder during the T20 World Cup preparations, filling in for the absent Hardik Pandya. He bowled consistently in the home series against Afghanistan but saw limited game time in the IPL, managing just a single over.
During a recent warm-up match against Bangladesh, Dube bowled three overs. His bowling style could prove effective on the low, slow pitches expected in the Caribbean.
Fleming addressed that the ‘Impact Player’ player rule as hampered Dube’s growth as a bowler.
“If he bowls the way he talks, he could be the next Kapil Dev. He has been training diligently and put in a lot of hard work during the IPL. While the team had several versatile all-rounders, the new impact player rule unfortunately diminishes the value of such well-rounded cricketers, which is rather disappointing,” Fleming claimed.
Shivam Dube’s towering presence and measured pace could prove invaluable for the Indian team in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Employing a three-spinner strategy is a viable option, as the team may need to look beyond its primary bowling attack to secure victory.
“He has been bowling effectively, maintaining a strong pace and delivery. In the right conditions, which tend to be a bit slower, his ability to vary his pace and use cutters can make him a tricky opponent. Despite this, he has worked hard to develop his skills and can play an important role for the team,” he continued.
It’s unclear if Dube will be in the starting lineup when Team India faces Ireland in New York on Wednesday, June 5, to begin their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.