Published 09:46 IST, June 5th 2024
'He's like Kapil Dev': Not Hardik Pandya, Stephen Fleming identifies Kapil Dev's successor for India
Stephen Fleming has identified Shivam Dube as a potential successor to Kapil Dev for Team India, expressing confidence in his abilities.
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In a highly anticipated clash, India will kick off their ICC T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5 at 8:00 PM. With a dominant win probability India, led by captain Rohit Sharma, boasts a formidable squad including the likes of Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant. The showdown will take place at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in what promises to be an electrifying Group stage encounter.
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Stephen Fleming believes Shivam Dube has the potential to become another Kapil Dev for Team India
Former New Zealand captain and current Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach, Stephen Fleming, discussed Shivam Dube's efforts to enhance his bowling during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. As an all-rounder, Dube is part of Team India's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup and may contribute with the ball if necessary.
Dube filled the role of seam-bowling all-rounder for India during the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, stepping in for Hardik Pandya. He bowled regularly in the home series against Afghanistan, though he only bowled one over in the 2024 IPL.
Recently, Dube bowled three overs in a warm-up match against Bangladesh, and his bowling style could be advantageous on the slower, lower pitches in the Caribbean. Fleming highlighted how the impact player rule in the IPL has influenced Dube's progress as a bowler. Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Stephen Fleming said:
"If his bowling is the way he talks about it, he's like Kapil Dev. He has been working really hard. He worked hard through the IPL. We had a number of players that could do the all-round role, and again, with the impact player rule, it actually diminishes the role of an all-rounder or a part-time bowler who bats well, which is bit of a shame"
Taking eight wickets in 21 Twenty20 Internationals, Shivam Dube has an average of 45 and an economy rate of 9.86.
"He's been doing his bowling, he has had his loads up. He can be awkward (to face) in the right conditions, which you'd say would be a little bit slow, where his cutters and change of pace could play a part. He can play a part, he can do a job and he has worked very hard on it,"
Stephen Fleming said, addressing Dube's potential. Tall and moderate-paced, Dube might be quite helpful to the Indian Cricket Team in the Twenty20 World Cup. The squad may choose three spinners, and they could require a few overs from all-rounders other than the main bowling unit.
Updated 13:04 IST, June 5th 2024