Mumbai coach Vinayak Samant says that Shivam Dube has to work on his fitness

Shivam Dube, who plays for Mumbai in first-class cricket made it to the headlines when he was purchased by the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The allrounder whacked Baroda spinner Swapnil Singh for five sixes in as many balls in their Ranji Trophy tie which probably prompted the franchises to consider him for IPL 2019. However, the 25-year old did not rise to prominence since his school cricket like Prithvi Shaw or Armaan Jaffer. He made a mark in the ongoing Ranji Season to earn an IPL contract.

Mumbai coach Vinayak Samant heaped praise on Dube but suggested that the youngster should focus more on his fitness. “No doubt he is a very good player and hard hitter of the ball. But he has to work on his fitness because he is not agile, and T20 cricket is fast.” Samant was quoted as saying by Times of India. Dube has worked hard and has improved a lot in the past year.

A golden opportunity

The southpaw played a key role in Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare title triumph. In the six matches that he has played, Dube has scored 567 runs including two hundreds – one against Railways and the other against Gujarat. Interestingly, he had also hit Pravin Tambe for 5 sixes in an over in the Mumbai T20 league too. This IPL contract can work wonders for the budding all-rounder who will be playing alongside some of the best players in the world. Dube will be hoping to make a contribution for RCB too so as to become a regular member in the playing XI.

The youngster may also get an opportunity to share the 22 yards with Virat Kohli and showcase his talent in front of the Indian captain. The fact that he can deliver a few overs as well makes Dube a great asset for the team. RCB will be hoping for a change of fortunes in IPL 2019 and go all the way to clinch their first title.

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