Dube making sure he is part of India’s 2024 T20 WC squad even if Hardik is fit, says Rohan Gavaskar

Shivam Dube has been in sublime form in India's ongoing three T20Is versus Afghanistan. Hescored60* and 63* in the first two T20Isand was the Player-of-the-Match in the series opener. The left-hander is making a strong statement ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup, which will be held in the West Indies and USA in June. Former Indian player Rohan Sunil Gavaskar feels it won't be easy to overlook Dube irrespective of Hardik Pandya's fitness. Dube is being looked upon as Hardik's backup, given his injury issues, but Gavaskar's son feels the former might get selected even if Hardik is fit.

‘What he’s doing is ensuring his placeeven if Hardik is fit’

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Rohan said, "We have been talking about him as, ‘Oh, listen, what if Hardik is unfit?’, I think what he is doing is making sure that even if Hardik is fit, he is on that plane in that World Cup squad. If you put in performances like this, it is very hard for anyone to drop you. It is going to be a really tough decision for the selectors if they decide to drop him. He is doing all that he can, which is giving the selectors a headache."

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The former Indian cricketer added, "After these two games, I think he now feels that he belongs at the international level. He has got the appreciation and respect of his teammates because he put in two wonderful performances. I think he is just a lot more comfortable about his own game. He knows his own game better. He is not trying to copy anyone now. He is saying, ‘This is what I can do and what I bring to the table’."

Dube, who has also accounted for two wickets in the Afghanistan T20Is, has credited his stint withthe MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK)in IPL 2023, for his recent success at the international level. His power-hitting and ability to judge the weak link in the opposition's bowling line-up has been praised by former cricketers during the Afghan series.

At present, Rohit Sharma-led India lead the three T20Is 2-0 and will square off against Afghanistanfor the third and inconsequential match on Wednesday (Jan 17) in Bengaluru.