Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has applauded Shivam Dube for his match-winning all-round performance in the first T20I between India and Afghanistan. Chopra also said that the all-rounder could stake a claim for a berth in India’s T20 World Cup squad if he does well in the IPL 2024 as well.

However, Dube registered figures of 1/9 in two overs as India restricted Afghanistan to 158/5 in Mohali on Thursday, January 11. After that, the swashbuckling left-hander hit an unbeaten 60 off 40 as the Indian team chased down the target with six wickets and 15 deliveries to spare as well. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra praised his performance and also added that a good stint for the Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming edition of the IPL could help him to be in India’s T20 World Cup squad.

He said: “Shivam Ati Sundaram. He picked up a wicket, bowled only two overs, and then made 60 runs off 40 balls as well with a strike rate of 150. Shivam Dube has staked a claim once again. This is the World Cup year and he bats at a good position for CSK in the IPL and does very well.”

He further added: “I was feeling that Dube was not being treated properly. We had spoken earlier that you made him sit out in the five matches against Australia and dropped him against South Africa, but now when he got a chance, he has not only grabbed it but made the most of it.”

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However, Shivam Dube was part of India’s squad for the five-match T20I series against Australia soon after the 2023 ODI World Cup but he didn’t get to play a game. He wasn’t even picked for the subsequent tour of South Africa before being recalled for the ongoing series against Afghanistan as well. And, Aakash Chopra lauded Shivam Dube for staying unbeaten and finishing the game as well.

“He had already picked up a wicket with the ball but the way he batted, he played with great maturity. He finished the match. I think that’s an important one when you close out the match,” Aakash Chopra concluded. “He said that he should be given chances as he can bowl as well. He said that if Hardik Pandya is unfit or unavailable for any reason, he can do the job. Player of the Match performance was Shivam Dube. The standout performer was Shivam Dube.”