T20 World Cup 2024: 'X-Factor' Shivam Dube Will Be An Asset For Team India in WC - Claims Suresh Raina

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New Delhi, May 31: Former star cricketer Suresh Raina has backed Shivam Dube, claiming that the left-handed batter could play a crucial role for Team India in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

Shivam Dube has been a key player in the CSK middle-order over the past two IPL seasons. Since 2023, he has become one of the top six hitters in the IPL and has established himself as one of the country's best players against spin.

His remarkable rise and transformation have made him one of the standout success stories of the IPL in recent years. Now part of the 15-man squad for the World Cup, Dube could be India's X-factor in the upcoming mega event in the USA and the Caribbean. Also Read: Kohli or Jaiswal? Raina gives his verdict on Rohit Sharma's ideal opening partner

At a recent event hosted by the India Champions, 2011 World Cup winner Suresh Raina spoke about inclusion of the Mumbai all-rounder in the 15-member Indian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The India Champions are a participant in the World Championship of Legends (WCL).

"Shivam Dube has the X factor that can turn him into a match-winner for the team. He is a major asset for Team India going into the T20 World Cup. Since he possesses the ability to bat and bowl, his presence can immensely benefit India," the 37-year-old Raina - a former Super King himself - added further.

Initially, India had difficulty finding fast-bowling all-rounders capable of aggressive batting and taking wickets. However, with Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube now in the squad, India is well-positioned to lift the trophy.

India will play their opening group match of the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup against Ireland in New York on June 5. This will be the first of four group matches for Rohit Sharma and his team. If they finish in the top two of their group, they will advance to the Super 8 stage of the tournament.

India Squad For T20 World Cup 2024

Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj. Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.