The Indian cricket team is witnessing a fascinating contest for the coveted all-rounder's spot, with Shivam Dube emerging as a strong contender to Hardik Pandya. Dube's recent performances have sparked comparisons, fueling the debate over who should be India's premier seam-bowling all-rounder.
Dube's recent form has been impressive. In the recent T20I series against Australia, Dube delivered a match-winning all-round performance in the Gold Coast T20I, scoring 22 runs off 18 balls and taking two crucial wickets. His victims included Australian captain Mitchell Marsh and the in-form Tim David, derailing the host's chase. His bowling figures of 2 for 20 complemented Washington Sundar's 3 for 3, as India bowled out Australia to clinch the series. Promoted up the order in recent games, Dube has shown composure against pace and the ability to adapt to match situations. Dube said he has been working in the nets on playing short balls and his plan was to rotate strike against fast bowlers and attack the spinners.
"[Gautam] Gambhir has been backing me a lot," Dube said, revealing the influence of the team management on his confidence. "'Bindaas bowling daal. We are here for you. Even if you go for runs, you have to express yourself.' There was a plan today. I was able to execute it," Dube added.
Since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach, Dube has bowled 26 overs in T20Is, which is nearly 40% of the overs he had bowled across his entire six-year career. Dube has picked up three wickets in the two matches he has bowled in the recent series against Australia. He was also given the new ball in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan in September after Hardik Pandya was ruled out with injury.
While Dube is making a strong case for himself, Hardik Pandya remains a key figure in India's plans. However, Pandya has been sidelined due to a left quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup clash against Sri Lanka. He missed the final against Pakistan and the subsequent tour of Australia. According to a report in the Times of India, Pandya reported to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on October 21 and will regain full fitness in a month or so. He has started his gym sessions and should be back in action during the white-ball series against South Africa at some point. This means Pandya could well make his comeback in the T20I series, and selectors might not risk him for the ODIs with the World Cup a long way away in the format.
Comparing their stats after 36 T20Is, Shivam Dube has a stronger batting record, offering more runs and consistency, while Hardik Pandya was more effective as a bowler. Dube has scored almost double the runs Hardik managed in his first 36 games. Dube averages 31.23 with a strike rate of 140.10, with four fifties, while Hardik averaged 16.18 with a strike rate of 151.93. In terms of bowling, Dube has taken 16 wickets in 25 innings, while Hardik claimed 35 wickets in 36 T20Is.
Dube himself has downplayed comparisons with Pandya, emphasizing that Hardik is like a brother, from whom he tends to learn a lot. Dube is clear that there is no rivalry.
The emergence of Shivam Dube has provided India with a valuable alternative. Whether Dube can consistently replicate Pandya's impact remains to be seen, but his recent performances have undoubtedly added a new dimension to India's all-rounder pool. As Hardik Pandya nears his return from injury, the competition for the all-rounder's spot will intensify, giving the team management a pleasant selection dilemma.
