Suresh Raina Urges Ajit Agarkar to Include Shivam Dube in India's T20 World Cup Squad

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has made a passionate plea to BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar to include Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Shivam Dube in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024. Raina's appeal comes on the heels of Dube's scintillating 66-run innings off just 27 balls in CSK's recent IPL 2024 match against Lucknow Super Giants.

Dube's explosive knock, which included 7 sixes and 3 boundaries, helped CSK post a commanding total of 210/4. His performance caught the attention of Raina and other former cricketers like Irfan Pathan, who took to social media to advocate for Dube's inclusion in the national team. Raina tagged Agarkar in his tweet, stating, "World Cup loading for Shivam dube! Aagarkarbhai select karo please."

The 29-year-old Dube has been in excellent form for CSK in the IPL, scoring 418 runs with a strike rate of 158.33 and three fifties in the 2023 season, followed by 311 runs at an impressive strike rate of 169.95 in the ongoing 2024 edition. His consistent performances and ability to provide crucial runs in the middle and death overs have strengthened his case for a spot in the Indian team.

Dube's innings, along with Ruturaj Gaikwad's unbeaten 108, propelled CSK to a crucial win against LSG. The left-handed batter later discussed his knock, revealing that the support of the Chepauk crowd motivated him to take on the bowlers after a chat with skipper Gaikwad. Dube also achieved the milestone of scoring over 1,000 runs for CSK in the IPL, further highlighting his value to the team.

Why this matters: Shivam Dube's impressive performances in the IPL have reignited the debate about his potential inclusion in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024. With former players like Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan publicly backing his selection, the pressure is mounting on the BCCI selectors to consider Dube as a viable option for the global tournament.

As the IPL 2024 season progresses, Dube's consistent batting heroics and match-winning contributions for CSK have made him a strong contender for a place in the Indian squad. The selectors are now expected to closely monitor his performances and consider the growing support for his inclusion in the team for the T20 World Cup, which will be held in the West Indies and the USA in June 2024.

Key Takeaways

• Suresh Raina urges BCCI to include Shivam Dube in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad.
• Dube's 66-run innings off 27 balls for CSK in IPL 2024 impressed Raina and other cricketers.
• Dube has scored 418 runs at 158.33 SR in IPL 2023 and 311 runs at 169.95 SR in 2024.
• Dube's consistent performances and ability to score crucial runs have strengthened his case.
• Selectors expected to closely monitor Dube's IPL form for potential inclusion in T20 World Cup.