(AP Photo)
Former New Zealand cricketer Stephen Fleming believes Shivam Dube could play a pivotal role for India in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final against England. Fleming praised the strategic use of India’s lineup by their team management throughout the tournament.
However, Shivam Dube’s performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 has been lackluster. The left-handed batsman has accumulated 106 runs in six matches, averaging 26.50 with a disappointing strike rate of 107.07. Additionally, as a medium-pacer, Dube has not managed to take any wickets during the tournament held in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA).
Stephen Fleming – Shivam Dube Is A Match Winner
During his discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Stephen Fleming pinpointed Shivam Dube as a valuable asset for India, particularly if the pitch in the semi-final supports spinners. Fleming emphasized Dube’s capacity to accelerate the scoring rate and impact the game through aggressive batting. The former New Zealand captain characterized Dube as a player capable of winning matches for his team.
“Just short of one sort of 40 or 50 or 60 at that high strike rate, but he has come with the right intent, which is important. He has the ability to hit sixes and change games. So if it’s spin-friendly, then he’s definitely going to be a weapon. I really like the way they’ve used him. He’s put in there between some fine players; he has that role to be aggressive. And Hardik Pandya, who’s in form as well, you can then have a good crack because he’s a match-winner,” Fleming said.
Stephen Fleming – Shivam Dube Could Win The Match
Stephen Fleming suggested that Shivam Dube’s exceptional performance in a couple of matches could significantly boost India’s chances of winning the tournament. As the coach of CSK, Fleming noted that when other team members are also in form, it creates opportunities to utilize Dube effectively in his role.
“And you’ve got close to two games left in the tournament. If he has one or two days out, then you win the tournament. So that’s a nice, mouthwatering position of a person to have in your lineup, especially when the people around them are playing well. If you’re a little bit cold either side, then it can sometimes be a problem, but it’s pretty good form all the way through that Indian lineup, so therefore he can be accommodated, and he can also be playing that role where potentially he could win the match,” Fleming added.
Throughout the tournament, the team management consistently supported Dube despite his underwhelming performances. India won three consecutive matches in the group stage and faced a rain-affected final match. Led by Rohit Sharma, they continued their winning streak in the Super Eight stage.
In the Super Eight phase, the Indian team secured victories over Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia, ensuring their place in the semifinals. Topping Group 1, they are set to meet England in the second semifinal at Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday, June 27.
