DUABI: Shivam Dube recently opened up about a pivotal conversation he had with skipper Rohit Sharma back in January, shedding light on his potential selection for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad.
Admitting to experiencing “sleepless nights” before the squad announcement, the 30-year-old all-rounder had been striving to reclaim his position in the Indian team following his T20I debut in 2019. His standout performances for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL caught the selectors’ attention, leading to his inclusion in the Indian squad for the Ireland tour.
However, it was his Player of the Series display against Afghanistan in January, featuring impressive scores of 60* (40) and 63* (32), that firmly placed him in contention for the T20 World Cup squad. Dube’s conversation with Rohit Sharma, where the captain encouraged him to showcase his skills, further fueled his determination.
The IPL 2024 season witnessed Dube’s exceptional form, marked by 26 sixes in nine innings and an average of 58.33, solidifying his spot in the T20 World Cup squad. He attributes his success to the mindset instilled by MS Dhoni and CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, emphasizing a calculated approach to batting.
