Ian Bishop Backs Shivam Dube in India’s Playing XI For T20 WC 2024, Gives a Message to Rohit Sharma

Mumbai: Claiming that he has to be present in the playing XI, former West Indies cricketer backed India allrounder Shivam Dube ahead of the T20 World Cup. Bishop went on to admit that it would be ‘travesty’ if Dube is not in the XI for India’s opener. Dube has been in ominous touch in the ongoing IPL season and that is the reason why he has the backing of Bishop. Dube has amassed 350 runs in 9 matches and has been striking at a rate of 172.41, with 3 fifties to his name.

“When I was picking a fifteen, it was Rohit, Bumrah, Shivam Dube and twelve others and I didn’t care who the others were. Because when you’re talking form, Shivam Dube has been changing the match almost every time he has walked in to bat in this IPL. So if there is one other guy who had to be on that plane other than the captain and Bumrah, it is Shivam Dube. Given the form that he is in, not only in the IPL but also previously in the international games, I think it will be a travesty if he travels to the Caribbean and does not play from the very first match,” Bishop said.

Speaking ahead of the CSK vs PBKS game, coach Stephen Fleming said that Dube has proven that he is more than just a spin basher and he has got “raw power”.

“He has proven this year that there is a lot more to him than just spinners. He has raw power. And in the World Cup, you need some X-factor players, so I am delighted that he is going to get the opportunity. He is a lot more complete in terms of what he is trying to do and understanding this game and that comes with a little bit of experience,” said Fleming.