"Reminds You Of Yuvraj Singh Slightly" - Aakash Chopra On Shivam Dube's Batting

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Former India cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra likens all-rounder Shivam Dube's style of hitting to former star batter Yuvraj Singh. Dube has been exceptional for India against Afghanistan at the number four spot in the ongoing T20I series.

The 30-year-old, who returned to the Indian playing 11, scored a remarkable unbeaten 63, which included 5 fours and 4 sixes in the second T20I. In the series opener, he guided the hosts to victory with an unbeaten 60.

The all-rounder has credited former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings for his improvement. While he has earned praise from many corners, Chopra spoke on how Dube has made a brilliant comeback.

"Shivam Dube - the striking power the kid has. He is not a kid, he is 30 years old. He started late, didn't play cricket for quite a few years in between, when he was a kid, due to some family issues," Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.

"Almost left cricket and then came back. Scored a fifty against the West Indies in one match and then didn't get that many opportunities."

The former Indian opener also was impressed with Dube's striking, which he feels is slightly similar to legend Yuvraj, who also used to clear the ropes with ease.

"He is coming back again and made 60-plus scores in the two matches he played here. The strike rate was outstanding in both matches and struck sixes one after the other. When he hits, he reminds you of Yuvraj Singh slightly," Chopra added.

In the ongoing three-match series against Afghanistan, Dube has picked up three wickets and struck six maximums and ten boundaries. Chopra feels the strength to hit those sixes will make Dube a serious contender for a Team India spot especially with Hardik Pandya's fitness concerns.

"I feel Shivam Dube is an extremely serious contender to go for the World Cup because you will need strength to hit sixes. You won't be able to hit sixes with timing on the West Indies pitches. The grounds are big and the pitches are slow," Chopra said.

Hardik is currently recovering from the injury he picked up at the ODI World Cup. Dube seems a good back up for him as a pace-bowling all-rounder. In the ongoing three-match series against Afghanistan, Dube has picked up three wickets.

India, who have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series, will be keen to complete the whitewash when they face Afghanistan in the third and final T20I on Wednesday (January 17) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.