'I am going to go with Shivam Dube' - Aakash Chopra advocates for inclusion of Shivam Dube in India's T20 World Cup squad

CSK's Shivam Dube has dazzled spectators with his exceptional performance and brute power-hitting against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 7th match of the ongoing IPL 2024. Renowned former Indian opener and currently working as a commentator for Jio Cinema, Aakash Chopra lauded Dube's display, advocating for his inclusion in India's squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Dube's explosive innings of 51 runs off just 23 deliveries, featuring five sixes and two boundaries, earned him the deserving Player of the Match award. Chopra, sharing his thoughts on his YouTube channel, highlighted Dube's remarkable ability to effortlessly clear the boundaries, particularly in the pivotal five or six positions.

"Although I should talk about Ruturaj Gaikwad as well because he batted well and maturely after getting a life, I am going to go with Shivam Dube. How well is he playing? The number at which Shivam Dube bats, around No. 5 or No. 6, is there any Indian who hits sixes better than him?" Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

"He hits sixes into the stands while standing in his position. No one has that much strength and no one hits that consistently as well. He used to have a problem against short balls but it's not there anymore. I do not see anything lacking at this point in time. Keep him around the T20 World Cup team," the former cricketer added, emphasizing Dube's exceptional strength and improved technique against short-pitched deliveries.

He is going to be in my scheme of things for the World Cup: Chopra

Considering the venue and pitch conditions of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, Chopra stressed the importance of having a strong hitter like Dube in the squad. With matches set to take place in Florida, New York, and the West Indies, where pitches are slower and grounds more expansive, Chopra highlighted the necessity of a player of Dube's calibre.

"Whether it's the grounds in Florida, New York or the Caribbean, the pitches are slow and the grounds are big. So you need a powerful batter there, which he actually is. So he is going to be in my scheme of things for the World Cup," Chopra concluded, expressing confidence in Dube's potential impact on India's campaign.

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