“If you make him sit on the bench, you will do a grave injustice” – Aakash Chopra on Shivam Dube’s place in India’s T20 World Cup playing XI

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes that if Shivam Dube doesn’t find a place in India’s T20 World Cup playing XI, then it will be a grave injustice to him. Dube has been in sensational form for Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024.

The pugnacious southpaw has amassed 350 runs in nine matches at an average of 58.33 and a blistering strike rate of 172.41. Dube continued his rich form against Sunrisers Hyderabad as he scored a fine knock of 39 runs off just 20 balls with the help of one four and four sixes as he scored his runs at a strike rate of 195 on Sunday.

Dube played an instrumental role in helping CSK post 212 runs on the board and added 74 runs with Ruturaj Gaikwad for the third wicket.

“The way the kid is playing, he is absolutely scintillating and sensational. I am saying that you shouldn’t only send him but play him in the XI. The discussion is not about his T20 selection. In my opinion, you are compelled to play him in the XI,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“No captain, team management or selector can ignore him because if you ignore him, there is no player in India at the moment who hits better than him. If you make him sit on the bench, you will do a grave injustice,” the former India opener added.

Dube used to struggle against the short-pitched deliveries but he has worked hard on the same. Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif lauded the left-hander for working hard on his weaknesses.

“Every batter has a weakness. His weakness was against the bouncer or you could have trapped him by bowling wider lines. However, he has consistently become better. Now he is hitting pulls and sixes over extra cover. His game down the ground is fantastic. The bowlers also bowl in that area, that they shouldn’t give room and should keep it within the stumps,” he said on Star Sports.

The Natwest final hero added that India will need the services of Dube in the upcoming T20I showpiece.

“He hit low full tosses for sixes. It is very difficult to do that. Batters even get out to low full tosses at times but he has the power, uses the long handle, doesn’t move his feet much, and attacks the ball with full power and targets the sight screen. Don’t bowl him spin at all. It’s good news for CSK and when India will go to play the World Cup, you will need such a player,” Kaif elaborated.

Chennai Super Kings will next take on Punjab Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday.