'Bhai select karo please' - Suresh Raina urges Agarkar for Shivam Dube's T20 World Cup inclusion

With just a week left before the curtains rise on the much-anticipated announcement of India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad, the cricket fraternity is buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The deadline for the squad reveal, set for May 1, looms large, promising a flurry of speculations and discussions as the cricketing giants gear up to unveil their provisional lineup.

India's quest for glory in ICC tournaments has been a journey fraught with near misses and heartaches, with the last triumph dating back to the MS Dhoni-led victory in the 2013 Champions Trophy. The wounds of the ICC 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat are still fresh in the minds of Indian fans, amplifying the stakes and significance of the upcoming T20 World Cup as a potential avenue for redemption.

Amidst the backdrop of anticipation and fervour, the selection conundrum looms large for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors. While stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Virat Kohli seem certain for the squad, the limited number of spots leaves room for nail-biting deliberations and tough decisions.

Adding to the selectors' dilemma are the stellar performances of several young Indian talents who are currently setting the stage ablaze with their prowess. One such player commanding attention is Shivam Dube, whose scintillating form for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2024 has catapulted him into the spotlight.

With an impressive tally of 311 runs in eight matches at a staggering strike rate of 169.95, Dube's explosive batting displays have not gone unnoticed. Calls for his inclusion in the national squad have been amplified, with former cricketers and fans alike advocating for his selection.

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 Suresh Raina publicly appealed to BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar to consider Shivam Dube for selection and wrote on 'X', "World Cup loading for Shivam dube ! @imAagarkar bhai select karo please," wrote in a post on X.

"Shivam Dube is perfect to bat after the top order and before the big hitters. Should be India's No. 4 or No. 5 at World T20," another former India star Mohammad Kaif wrote on X.

However, amidst the clamour for Dube's inclusion, questions linger regarding his role as an all-rounder. Despite being touted as a potential seam-bowling all-rounder, Dube's utility with the ball remains largely unexplored, raising concerns about his versatility and adaptability on the international stage.

Now going forward, it will be quite interesting to see if the Indian selectors give Dube a chance to shine on the biggest stage of world cricket or not.