Cricket News

Sunil Gavaskar champions Shivam Dube’s inclusion in World Cup squad irrespective of Hardik Pandya’s fitness

Hardik Pandya’s undeniable talent and versatility make him a crucial asset to the Indian cricket team. His unique skillset offers a balance which is unmatched by any other player, filling multiple roles with exceptional ability. However, recent fitness concerns have hampered his potential and the team’s plans, most notably during the ODI World Cup where his mid-tournament exit proved detrimental.

Pandya’s absence, as he continues his recovery, looms large over the Indian team as another major tournament, the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA approaches. His extended break, encompassing the series against Australia, South Africa, and now Afghanistan, adds a layer of uncertainty to India’s management preparations.

Rohit Sharma’s tactical decisions in the first two T20Is against Afghanistan hinted at his intention to prepare Shivam Dube for a potential backup role to Hardik Pandya. Dube was entrusted with bowling duties in both matches, taking a wicket and showing promise with the bat each time. His impressive half-centuries in both games further bolstered his case as a viable option in the rare instance of Pandya’s unavailability. In light of the team’s limited pool of fast-bowling all-rounders, Dube’s emergence offers encouraging prospects for Rohit’s squad depth.

“I think he now feels that he belongs at the international level”

Thanks to his impressive batting feats, left-handedness, and spin-bashing prowess, there is now a school of thought that he should be included in the T20 World Cup squad irrespective of the Hardik Pandya situation. Legendary Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar champions this viewpoint, suggesting Dube’s undeniable form might prove too compelling to ignore.

“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,” he said.

Gavaskar, after witnessing Shivam Dube’s recent success, believes the all-rounder has finally overcome his earlier struggles on the international stage. He sees a player now more mature and in control, with a deeper understanding of his game. Gavaskar also points to Dube’s impressive performances earning him the respect of his teammates, adding further weight to his World Cup prospects.

“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. 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,” the 74-year-old said.