Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube opened up on comparisons with World Cup-winner Yuvraj Singh saying it would be foolish to make such comparisons.
Dube, 30, has been in amazing form in the IPL 2024 as he amassed 350 runs in nine innings so far at an amazing 58.33 average and strike rate of 172.41 while playing as a middle-order batter.
The 30-year-old’s current form rewarded him with a selection in the 15-man squad of the Indian cricket team that would represent the team in the T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and West Indies.
He has been proving his worth since his debut in 2019 but the IPL 2024 turned out to be the difference maker as he was able to convince the selectors to take him to the World Cup.
Due to his ability to play aggressive cricket and being a left-handed batter, comparisons with Indian great, Yuvraj Singh, emerged but Dube doesn’t entertain such comparisons.
"Comparing myself to Yuvi Paaji would be foolish," he remarked in a recent interview with BCCI. "I have my own style, and while it may bear some resemblance to his, I focus on being the best version of myself."
"It's about applying myself at the right time and in the right way. When the captain trusts you, you express yourself on the field, and that's crucial,” he added.
As the World Cup is nearing, Dube is focused on contributing to his team’s success.
"I don't think about whether I'll play or not; I focus on how I can perform to benefit the team. The rest is in the hands of a higher power,” he added.
Earlier today, India announced the squad that included Yuzvendra Chahal, who made his way to the final 15 following an outstanding IPL 2024 campaign, along with fellow spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.
Meanwhile, the pace attack includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh with Pandya and Dube also available as seam-bowling options.
India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad
Rohit Sharma (captain), Hardik Pandya (vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj.
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan
- Shivam Dube