Team India are currently facing Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the three-match series at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The two teams recently concluded a T20I series where India displayed complete dominance, securing a clean sweep against the hosts. The anticipation for the ODI series is high, with both teams looking to establish early momentum.
Shivam Dube’s return after nearly five years
In the first ODI, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat. A significant highlight of the Indian lineup was the inclusion of all-rounder Shivam Dube, marking his return to the ODI format after almost five years. Dube’s only previous appearance in a 50-over match for India was in December 2019 against the West Indies. His comeback has generated significant interest, as fans and analysts eagerly watch to see his performance.
Opportunity to impress ahead of Champions Trophy 2025
Shivam Dube brings a dual threat to the Indian side with his powerful hitting lower down the order and his medium-pace bowling. With Hardik Pandya unavailable for the series, Dube has a prime opportunity to impress the selectors and stake a claim for a spot in India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy. His performance in this series could be crucial for his future in the national team.
Also READ: SL vs IND 2024, ODI Series – Broadcast, live streaming details – When and Where to watch in India, USA, UK, Sri Lanka & other countries
Mixed reactions from fans on social media
Dube’s inclusion in the playing XI has sparked mixed reactions among cricket fans on social media. While some welcomed the fresh change, appreciating the chance given to Dube, others were disappointed, hoping to see the inclusion of young talent Riyan Parag instead. The diverse opinions reflect the passionate and varied perspectives of cricket enthusiasts.
Here is how Netizens reacted:
The last time Shivam Dube played an ODI, the world hadn’t heard of Covid. 😲#SLvIND
— Rohit Yadav (@cricrohit) August 2, 2024
Shivam Dube is back in ODIs. That means France government will have to issue orders to stop Olympics competitions when he comes out to bat. https://t.co/xhEkPjzXsz
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) August 2, 2024
Sri Lanka chose to bat first that’s really sad because literally the pitch report says it will get better under the light then why bat first
I really wanted to see Riyan Parag at 6 our lower middle order looks very fragile
And Shivam Dube still doesn’t make sense to me.…
— Archer (@poserarcher) August 2, 2024
Equating Shivam Dube to Hardik Pandya replacement in ODIs? Rohit and sharpshooter Gambhir harboring such delusions should reconsider their cognitive faculties.
— Stephen (@albatrosscric) August 2, 2024
I’m not in favour of Shivam Dube as an ODI allrounder, not confident in his bowling as well as batting as far as ODI is concerned. Trying out is fine but I don’t think it will work.
— Vipul Ghatol 🇮🇳 (@Vipul_Espeaks) August 2, 2024
The Shivam Dube project has invaded ODIs now and it will fail gloriously. BCCI are just desperate for a Hardik backup.
— H (@LostMyAxe) August 2, 2024
Riyan Parag deserved to play in place of Shivam Dube #INDvSL
— Janujanu (@Januanant) August 2, 2024
Why is Shivam Dube getting so many chances? Mumbai Lobby?#INDvsSL
— Anirudh 🇮🇳 (@aani0710) August 2, 2024
shivam dube lacks the game sense, technique and pragmatism to bat through a collapse or a tough spell
and those two things are a common occurence at the premadasa
avg second innings score here is under 200
— manan (@_goatkeeper) August 2, 2024
Friendly Reminder – Shivam Dube and Axar Patel won us the world cup. pic.twitter.com/vJMqE2BpqN
— ` (@Itz_Bl3ze) July 21, 2024
Shivam Dube playing 👏🏻
— Ankush Kumar (@ankush_06_) August 2, 2024
India’s Playing XI today in comparison with 2023 World Cup Final team.
Rohit Sharma (C) ✅
Shubman Gill ✅
Virat Kohli ✅
Shreyas Iyer ✅
KL Rahul ✅
Suryakumar Yadav ❎ Shivam Dube ✅
Ravindra Jadeja ❎ Axar Patel ✅
Mohammed Shami ❎ Washington Sundar ✅
Jasprit Bumrah ❎…
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) August 2, 2024
Also READ: Rohit Sharma or MS Dhoni? Ravi Shastri opines on who’s the better white-ball skipper for India
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.
