IPL 2024: Why CSK must stop using Shivam Dube as an Impact Player?

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Shivam Dube has been making waves with his performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Known for his powerful batting, Dube has established himself as one of the premier players for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in this domain.

His ability to tackle pacers has also seen a significant improvement, making him a versatile asset for his team. And against the spinners, the batter has just been a gladiator, who has rampaged almost all of them with his brute strikes.

However, despite his batting prowess, Dube's limited role in bowling with CSK has sparked discussions about his suitability for the Indian T20 World Cup squad. According to Indian Express, India captain Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid had a recent meeting where they decided that Hardik Pandya will have to bowl regularly to have a chance to make the squad for T20 World Cup. Shivam Dube's name was also mentioned but his lack of bowling can be a dealbreaker.

Shivam Dube has been a revelation for Chennai Super Kings since joining the Yellow Army. He has been making waves with his batting but since making a move to CSK, his bowling has reduced significantly.

At CSK, Dube is known for his role as an Impact Player, focusing primarily on batting. In the five matches so far in IPL 2024, Dube hasn't bowled a single ball for the five-time IPL champions. With the bat, Dube has scored 214 runs at an average of 71 and a strike rate of 164.

IPL 2024: Why CSK must use Shivam Dube as a Bowler

This specialization raises questions about his potential inclusion in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup. If selected, it is anticipated that Dube would primarily serve as a batter, possibly stepping in as a part-time bowler.

But if the 30-year-old doesn't acclimatize to the high-pressure bowling in the IPL, he will struggle in the T20 World Cup if the situation arises with the Indian team. He bowls medium pace and can be suitable in West Indies and USA, but the player needs to have some sort of rehearsal before the grand stage, and IPL is a perfect platform for that.

CSK's nonchalant attitude towards using Dube as a bowler can hamper India's causes, which in turn doesn't help Dube, who may not be considered for his lack of exposure as a bowler. So CSK must use Dube as a regular player instead of just introducing him as an Impact Player.

While his batting skills are undisputed, the broader requirements of the national team's strategy will ultimately influence decisions regarding his inclusion.