"When The Time Comes, He Will Bowl For Team India" - Irfan Pathan Backs Shivam Dube For T20 World Cup 2024

Following the BCCI's announcement of the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan feels that Shivam Dube's all-round capabilities and six-hitting mentality were a major factor in his World Cup selection. Shivam Dube got the cricketing world’s attention with consistent performances at the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2024 season, where he has done exceptionally well in his role as a middle-order batter. Dube is one of the top 10 highest run-scorers in the ongoing IPL, with his 350 runs coming at a stellar strike rate of 171.56 and an impressive average of 50, including three half-centuries in 10 innings. Dube’s fearless batting in the middle overs and much-improved game against pacers meant he left no reason for the selectors to leave him out, even though he has not bowled much in the IPL 2024 season.

Irfan Pathan backs Shivam Dube for T20 World Cup 2024

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels Shivam Dube’s bowling prowess pushed him ahead of Rinku Singh for selection in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. Dube secured a spot in the 15-man squad of India, while Rinku was selected as a reserve player for the side. Dube is one of the top 10 highest run-getters in the IPL 2024 season, with his 350 runs coming at a stellar strike rate of 171.56 and an impressive average of 50, including three half-centuries in 10 innings.

"Why Shivam Dube has been selected is that he can give you 1 or 2 overs. He has been regularly bowling in the nets for Chennai Super Kings. The reason he hasn't got an opportunity [to bowl] is because of the Impact Player rule; he hasn't been able to bowl in the game, he hasn't been on the field as well. But he is surely bowling, and when the time comes and the need comes, he can bowl at least 1 or 2 overs for Team India," Irfan Pathan said. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member India T20 squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA. As previously revealed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, Rohit Sharma will captain the Indian cricket team, while seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be his deputy.

Power, Panache & striking them clean like Yuvraj Singh 🤝

The nerves about the #T20WorldCup chances & a motivational message from Captain Rohit Sharma 🙌

Presenting 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐦 𝐃𝐮𝐛𝐞 📈 - By @RajalArora

WATCH 🎥🔽 #TeamIndia | @IamShivamDube

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 30, 2024

Other major names in the squad include Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal and Shivam Dube, while Rinku Singh misses out as he is on the reserves list. India are also part of Group A along with Pakistan and Ireland. The Men in Blue will begin their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 5.

India T20 World Cup 2024 squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Presenting #TeamIndia for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to be hosted in the West Indies and USA! pic.twitter.com/6NoFJBMOjT

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 30, 2024