Former Indian batting coach Abhishek Nayar has highly praised the performance of all-rounder Shivam Dube. He believes that in the absence of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, Shivam has performed strongly and has not let his absence be felt. Pandya is out of the team due to injury. Abhishek Nayar has said that Dube has proven that he can become a Hardik-like all-rounder for the team. Shivam Dube is the sixth-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing series.
Who is the perfect substitute of Hardik Pandya?
Former cricketer Abhishek Nayar said, “We always say that Hardik Pandya is the all-rounder India needs. But, Shivam Dube has consistently shown in every match that he can be that all-rounder too. You don’t really feel Hardik Pandya’s absence because Shivam bowls crucial overs, takes important wickets, and contributes with the bat in different situations.”
Nair also emphasized that Dube has successfully overcome every challenge posed by the team management. In the fourth T20I, Dube scored 22 runs and conceded just 20 runs in two overs. He also took the wickets of star batsmen Mitchell Marsh and Tim David.
Abhishek Nayar further said, “Today also he scored crucial runs and took two big wickets when Australia were gaining momentum. Whenever this Indian team management has challenged him, he has successfully risen to the challenge. He may not be tagged as ‘The All-Rounder’, but he does everything that an Indian all-rounder needs to do.”
After the fourth match, Shivam said that head coach Gautam Gambhir, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and captain Suryakumar Yadav encouraged him greatly as a bowler, which boosted his confidence. He said, “When I got the opportunity, I knew I had to bowl. Morne, Gauti Bhai, and Surya had developed a good strategy for me. Morne gave me small tips that helped me bowl better.”