Chennai Super Kings“New Zealand head coach Stephen Fleming believes all-rounder Shivam Dube will be a very impactful player for the Indian team ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Stephen Fleming made the statement yesterday during a press conference ahead of Chennai’s home match against Punjab Kings at Chepauk today.
Fleming was informed that Shivam Dube, who has been an important part of the CSK team since 2022, has been named in the 15-man main squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. And Fleming expressed his high hopes for Dube.
Stephen Fleming admits Shivam Dube has improved his T20 game
While speaking to media reporters at the MA Chidambaram Stadium last night, Stephen Fleming had some positive things to say about Shivam Dube. Fleming initially said that Dube has been a fantastic player for CSK this season and that his game has improved drastically.
The former Kiwi opener explained that Shivam Dube has become much more than just hitting the spinners all over the park. Fleming praised Dube’s physical strength and praised him for channeling that strength in the best possible way for CSK.
“Yes, he is fantastic. I think he’s proven this year that he has a lot more to offer than just hitting spinners. He has a raw power that we think we saw at the start of the tournament, something that really impressed us and he did that consistently. “During the tournament I did that.” – Stephen Fleming told media reporters in Chepauk.
The 51-year-old then explained that teams in World Cup tournaments need certain X-factor players and claimed that Shivam Dube is that X-factor player. Stephen Fleming expressed his delight at his CSK all-rounder being selected for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Fleming happened to remind the Indian team management of Dube’s quality. The New Zealander admitted that Shivam Dube has become much more comprehensive than in previous seasons and that he understands the game much better now. Dube also worked hard in the nets to improve the areas where he wasn’t so good, Fleming revealed.
“And in a World Cup you need some X-factor players, so I’m pleased he gets the opportunity. He’s a lot more comprehensive in terms of what he’s trying to do and understanding his game, and that brings a bit more of experience that we’ve benefited from the hard work in areas where he wasn’t as strong. “ – Fleming added.
Dube will prove to be impactful for India
Shivam Dube was definitely crucial to CSK’s push towards the 2023 IPL title as he had scored 418 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 158.33 and had three half-centuries to his name.
And this year he has maintained the image of a key player in the upper midfield. In 9 games, Dube scored 350 runs at an improved strike rate of 172 and an average of 58.33 and has already scored as many half-centuries as he did in 2023.
According to Fleming, the impact he had for CSK will be similar when he wears the Indian jersey during the World Cup.
“But he continues to develop that strength, which is the ability to hit the ball long and consistently, and he’s done that for us this year. If this form continues, he will be an influential player for India.” – Stephen Fleming concluded.