Shivam Dube: A Safe Bet That May Cost India World Cup

In the low-scoring encounter between India and Pakistan, India emerged victorious after Bumrah’s brilliance and Pant’s heroics. However, concerns about Shivam Dube increase as he fails yet again. He scored 3 runs off 9 balls and was dismissed by Naseem Shah when India was in need of an important partnership. India’s innings collapsed from 89/3 to 119/10 with an over still remaining, where 2 players scored ducks and 6 players scored in single digits.

Shivam Dube, the left-handed spin basher, seems to be the only concern in the Indian squad right now. The all-rounder has failed to deliver since the Indian squad was announced on 30th April, 2024. He has 2 ducks in 7 innings with a batting average of 9. He has not bowled yet in any of the World Cup matches, except for the practice match against Bangladesh.

The selection of Shivam Dube is compared to that of Vijay Shankar for the ODI World Cup 2019, when he was selected over Ambati Rayudu as he provided a three-dimensional display. Similarly, Shivam Dube offers both batting and bowling options. However, he was selected over Rinku Singh, whose stats clearly show better performance on the international stage.

The strategy of providing more cushion in both batting and bowling by adding more all-rounders to the squad, instead of proper batsmen or bowlers, has not worked for India in the past and seems to be failing again. Though India emerged victorious in both matches, the concern about finishing the game remains real.