Shivam Dube’s stellar performance for Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL season and Hardik Pandya’s decision not to bowl early on for Mumbai Indians have sparked debates. Many experts believe Dube may now edge out Pandya for a spot in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The BCCI is expected to announce the 15-player squad by the end of April. Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary voiced his support for including Dube over Hardik but added that Chennai would bear responsibility if Dube fails to make the final list.

The discussion on Cricbuzz on Dube and Hardik was sparked after Manoj Tiwary was asked about Hardik bowling just one over in Mumbai’s last three matches, despite the MI skipper opening the bowling in the first two games.

Former Bengal cricketer Manoj Tiwary, who recently retired from the Ranji Trophy, said that if Hardik Pandya hopes to secure the all-rounder spot in India’s World Cup squad, he needs to prove he can bowl consistently again.

“To be picked in the Indian squad, he has to work on his bowling performance; he’s bowling with an economy rate of nearly 11 this season,” said Tiwary.

Former Indian cricketer Rohan Gavaskar, part of the panel, asked bluntly: “Considering only his batting ability and current form, not his reputation, would you pick Shivam Dube or Hardik Pandya?”

Tiwary nodded, signaling ‘no,’ as he felt Dube was a better choice for the T20 World Cup.

“Hardik Pandya’s chances of being selected for the T20 World Cup seem slim based on his current form. Ajit Agarkar has shown he can make tough decisions as a selector. If Shivam Dube does not make the World Cup squad, Chennai Super Kings may share some blame since they have not allowed him to bowl regularly. For some time now, I have felt that Dube could be groomed as a possible replacement for Hardik if given the opportunity.” elaborated Tiwary.

“At one point, we had Venkatesh Iyer as well. However, both he and Hardik Pandya stopped bowling recently. Looking ahead, our focus should be on the ultimate goal – winning the World Cup. India has not lifted the trophy in a long time, so we must plan well. Pandya is currently out of form, and Dube’s bowling abilities at the international level remain unknown. However, from what I’ve seen, Dube is a clever bowler, as seen by his performances in the T20I series against Afghanistan at home.” opined Tiwary.

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