Reports: Shivam Dube set to join Indian squad in Rajkot for remaining England T20Is

All-rounder Shivam Dube is likely to join India’s T20I squad in Rajkot for the remaining series against England. The news of Dube’s inclusion comes following an injury concern to Nitish Kumar Reddy. Notably, Abhishek Sharma also faced an ankle twist in the series opener in Kolkata.

Dube’s last international appearance came in August 2024 during an ODI series against Sri Lanka. Since then, he missed India’s home T20I series against Bangladesh due to a back injury. However, the all-rounder made a strong comeback in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Dube scored 151 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 179.76 and also claimed three wickets.

Now, according to Times of India journalist Gaurav Gupta, the Mumbai cricketer has been called up for national duties for the remainder T20I leg of the ongoing series against England. If reports are to be believed, Dube will join the Indian camp after the second T20I, which gets underway on Saturday, January 25.

Most recently, Dube featured in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy clash against Jammu and Kashmir, where he was dismissed for a duck in both innings and managed just one wicket in the game as Mumbai suffered a five-wicket defeat.

On the other hand, the hosts are going through another injury scare with opener Abhishek Sharma, who twisted his right ankle during a warm-up routine ahead of the second T20I in Chennai. While Abhishek managed to walk with assistance and later hit the nets, his discomfort raises questions about his availability for the match.

In the series opener, Abhishek top-scored with 79 runs, guiding India to a comfortable win, helping the side take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. If Abhishek misses out, the team management will have to make a tough call on Sanju Samson's opening partner. Options include Tilak Varma or Dhruv Jurel coming in, though neither is a specialist opener.

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Additionally, Mohammed Shami, who was rested for the first game, might be back playing his first game of the series. The speedster was seen bowling at the nets in Chennai at full throttle. Bowling coach, Morne Morkel monitoring his session closely.