CSK head coach Stephen Fleming believes it would be wise for the Indian selectors to select aggressive batsman Shivam Dube for the 2024 T20 World Cup in June.
Acknowledging the challenge of selecting an Indian squad for a World Cup, Fleming highlighted that Dube’s ability to hit powerfully could be valuable during the ICC event in the West Indies and the USA.
Dube has shown outstanding batting form over the past few years. He scored 418 runs in 16 matches for CSK last year, boasting a strike rate of 158.33. This season, the left-hander has accumulated 176 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 160.
He is expected to play when Chennai Super Kings face Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, April 14. Fleming expressed his thoughts on Shivam Dube’s potential inclusion in the T20 World Cup during a pre-match press conference.
“Yeah, I would have him in the side. Yeah. Well, I love his power. I’m biased, aren’t I? But I think when you have something (power) like that… [I would take him], the former New Zealand captain said.
“It’s probably one of the hardest jobs in world cricket, isn’t it? Being an Indian selector on one hand, very jealous as a New Zealander, looking at the amount of talent that is on the show and new players every game sort of pops up,” Fleming added.
In discussing Team India’s potential squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, the CSK coach suggested that the selectors focus on identifying the specific player characteristics they desire, rather than selecting a team and attempting to fit players into predefined roles.
“The thing for me is what type of gameplan do they want to play during the World Cup? What have they identified as the right style of play for India in an away condition and then put players into that?”
“Rather than just picking players and trying to find a gameplan, I would be looking at the style of play that I would want and then picking those players [who] are in form and can perform the role that will best win that design,” Fleming explained.
The majority of India’s prominent players are participating in IPL 2024. It is anticipated that the Men in Blue’s squad for the T20 World Cup will be finalized in the initial week of May.
“That’s the plan” -Fleming supports CSK’s view of considering Ruturaj Gaikwad as a long-term captain
Before the IPL 2024 season, Chennai Super Kings surprised everyone by appointing Ruturaj Gaikwad as their new captain, replacing MS Dhoni. Although Gaikwad has just begun his tenure as CSK captain, Fleming acknowledged that they envision him as a leader for the long term.
“Yeah, I hope so. That’s the plan. And so far it’s worked well. The transition has been really smooth. He’s judged by wins, but we judge it differently.”
“And his leadership around the team is top-class. So, yeah, I would imagine it would be hopefully for many years, like the last captain,” the Chennai coach asserted.
Under Gaikwad’s leadership, CSK has won three matches and lost two in IPL 2024. They currently hold the third position in the points table.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
