Former New Zealand cricketer and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming, who previously hinted at an “X-factor” player being India’s secret weapon in the 2024 T20 World Cup, has confirmed that Shivam Dube fits the bill perfectly.

“I am delighted that he is going to get the opportunity”: Stephen Fleming

“In a World Cup, you need some X-factor players,” Fleming said. “I am delighted that he is going to get the opportunity,” stated Fleming on CSK’s Youtube channel.

Fleming also highlighted Dube’s development as a more complete cricketer. “He is a lot more complete in terms of what he is trying to do and that comes with experience,” added Fleming. This suggests that Dube has worked on his shortcomings, while continuing to hone his strength of powerful hitting.

Dube’s inclusion in India’s 15-member squad comes after a strong showing with the Super Kings in IPL 2024. Despite his impressive performance in India’s T20I series against Afghanistan earlier this year, his place on the World Cup team remained uncertain. The lack of opportunity to showcase his medium-pace bowling due to the IPL’s ‘Impact Player’ rule further limited his ability to demonstrate his all-round capabilities to the selectors.

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The youngster silenced any doubts with his remarkable batting in IPL 2024

However, Dube silenced any doubts with his remarkable batting in the IPL. He amassed 350 runs in just 1o innings at a phenomenal strike rate of 171.57 and an average of 50.

Dube’s inclusion in the T20 WC squad offers India a valuable option in the middle order. His explosive batting and potential with the ball provide much-needed depth and flexibility to the team’s strategy.

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