The upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled for June and July in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA), looms as a highly anticipated event, with cricketing powerhouses like England, Australia and India as the potential strong contenders for the coveted title.
Anticipation builds for T20 World Cup 2024
England, aiming to defend their 2022 championship, will face stiff competition from Australia, who are eyeing the unprecedented feat of holding all three ICC trophies simultaneously, having clinched the World Test Championship (WTC) and the ODI World Cup last year. Meanwhile, India, despite their ICC title drought spanning over a decade, will be eager to rectify their past shortcomings and make a triumphant return to the winner’s circle.
IPL 2024: Crucial selections for T20 World Cup 2024
As the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits the pinnacle event, all eyes are currently on the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where stellar performances could serve as crucial selection criteria for the T20 World Cup squad. Amidst this India’s former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has voiced his endorsement for Shivam Dube‘s inclusion in the Indian squad for the prestigious tournament. India will face Ireland in their tournament opener on June 5 before meeting arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9.
Also READ: Here are India’s complete fixtures for T20 World Cup 2024
Yuvraj Singh’s insight : A potential game-changer for India
Yuvraj, duly impressed by Dube’s match-winning capabilities, hailed him as a potential game-changer for the Indian team in the upcoming T20 World Cup, underscoring the left-hander’s ability to tilt the scales in India’s favor on the grand stage of international cricket.
“Good to watch @IamShivamDube clearing the field with ease !! I feel he has to be in the World Cup squad . Has got the skill to be the #gamechanger #CSKvsSRH #IPLT20,” the post reads.
Good to watch @IamShivamDube clearing the field with ease !! I feel he has to be in the World Cup squad . Has got the skill to be the #gamechanger #CSKvsSRH #IPLT20
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 5, 2024
Heroics in the ongoing IPL 2024
Dube, showcasing exemplary form for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing IPL edition, has amassed an impressive tally of 148 runs in four matches, boasting an average of 49.33 and a blistering strike-rate of 160.86, including a top score of 51. In his latest display of prowess, Dube’s commanding knock of 45 runs off 24 balls, embellished with 2 fours and 4 sixes against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday (April 5), underscored his impact.
Entering the fray in the eighth over following the dismissal of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dube seized control, orchestrating a valuable 65 runs partnership for the third wicket alongside Ajinkya Rahane, who contributed 35 runs off 30 deliveries. Additionally, Dube unleashed two towering sixes on consecutive deliveries from SRH bowler T. Natarajan, further bolstering his team’s momentum. Despite his eventual dismissal at the hands of opposition skipper Pat Cummins, who also achieved the milestone of 50 IPL wickets, Dube’s performance left an indelible impression.
Muscled not once but TWICE 💥💥
Shivam Dube on a roll in Hyderabad! 🔥
Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia 💻📱#TATAIPL | #SRHvCSK | @IamShivamDube pic.twitter.com/0odsO9hgAv
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 5, 2024