With Shivam Dube struggling for form, Rohit Sharma may consider including Sanju Samson in India’s Playing XI for the upcoming match against the USA. India, almost certain of a spot in the T20 World Cup Super 8, will face the hosts in their penultimate Group A clash on Wednesday.
Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid usually avoid changing a winning team. However, with Shivam Dube’s recent poor performances, there is a strong case for giving Samson an opportunity before the Super 8 stage.
The New York pitch has not been friendly to batters so far. India’s collapse from 89/3 to 119 all out against Pakistan highlighted the need for more reliable batting. Only Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel managed to resist, which should prompt a rethink in the India vs USA match.
Shivam Dube, included in the T20 World Cup squad for his batting against spin, has hit a rough patch since his call-up. His recent performances include:
– 3 against Pakistan
– 0* against Ireland
– 14 & 2/13 against Bangladesh in warm-up
In the IPL 2024 finals, Shivam Dube dragged the yellow team in pressure after scoring 3 runs off 11 deliveries.
Dube’s role as an Impact Player with Chennai Super Kings has been limited, with his fielding also proving problematic. In the recent match against Pakistan, Dube left an easy catch, giving an early chance to Pakistan.
Although he bowled well against Bangladesh, Sharma has yet to fully trust him with bowling duties, making his role mainly that of a batter.