Team India all-rounder Shivam Dube bursts onto the international scene with a lot of prospects; however, failed to live up to the expectations. Meanwhile, with the comeback senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya from injury, Dube’s place in the squad looks in tatters.
The all-rounder from Mumbai made his T20I debut against Bangladesh in 2019 when all-rounder Hardik Pandya was out injured. He got a good run with the team but failed to cease the opportunity with both bat and ball. But, the doors seem close for him as Pandya has made his return to the national side after being out for a considerably long time now.
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In a recent interview, Shivam Dube has opened up on the same saying he has no competition with Hardik Pandya. The young all-rounder also expressed that his main goal is to do well and win matches for India in the international games.
“Whenever I am reminded that you are here to replace Hardik Pandya, I have said, ‘No, I am not here to replace Hardik Pandya, I am here to perform well and win matches for India.’ Obviously Hardik is a senior and a crucial player, so whenever he is fit, he is going to walk into the team,” Dube said.
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Furthermore, Shivam Dube also conceded that there are a lot of scopes of improvement in his game and was looking forward to playing the Irani Trophy. However, with all the matches called-off in the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Dube will have to wait longer to return to the field.
I was really looking forward to playing the Irani Cup (suspended due to COVID-19 outbreak). For me, it’s just the beginning, I need to improve myself a lot. I am not someone who sets goals in terms of numbers. Be it on the field or off it while working on my fitness, I just have to ensure that I keep getting better as a cricketer,” he concluded.
