Shivam Dube faced criticism once again on Thursday, June 28, after failing to make an impact with the bat during the semi-final clash between India and England in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. This match was a crucial opportunity for Dube to justify the selectors’ and team management’s faith in him over other potential candidates like Rinku Singh.
Dube walked to the crease in the 18th over, with India at 146 for 5, following the dismissal of Hardik Pandya. The stage was set for Dube to make an immediate impact and help propel India to a strong finish. Joining Ravindra Jadeja, Dube was the last recognized batsman, and expectations were high for him to deliver in this critical moment.
However, Dube’s stint at the crease was short-lived. On the very first ball he faced from Chris Jordan, Dube played a rash shot, resulting in an edge that was comfortably caught by Jos Buttler behind the stumps. This golden duck added to Dube’s string of underwhelming performances in the tournament and sparked an immediate backlash from fans and critics alike.
WATCH – Adil Rashid Outplays Rohit Sharma In T20 World Cup 2024 Semi-Final
The reaction from fans on social media was swift and unforgiving, as many expressed their frustration over Shivam Dube’s inability to capitalize on his opportunities. His overall performance in the T20 World Cup has been disappointing.
Shame on selection team for selecting Dube over Rinku #Ind
— Optimus Prime (@stay_frostic) June 27, 2024
Dube getting first ball duck is nothing new for a left handed..the moving ball for a guy with high back lift always have problems at the start of innings.#INDvENG #ICCT20WorldCup #CricketTwitter
— gyanesh kumar jha (@gyaneshkumarjh3) June 27, 2024
Shivam Dube not justifying his selection in playing eleven when players like Rinku Singh wait for their maiden call. #INDvsENG2024
— Dk (@dpak1002) June 27, 2024
Dube in 2024 t20wc 🤝 Sky in 2023 Odi wc
— Bruce Wayne (@PARKerrr33) June 27, 2024
Contribution of Shivam Dube in this T20 WC. pic.twitter.com/ZgtZ1ZdWv9
— Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) June 27, 2024
Rohit Sharma with Shivam Dube in the dressing room pic.twitter.com/nekVP5efmL
— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) June 27, 2024
thank you shivam dube for saving dot balls
— Xavier Uncle (@xavierunclelite) June 27, 2024
YFW(Yuvi’s face when) he heard people comparing him to Shivam Dube.
#INDvsENG2024 pic.twitter.com/ok2mqE5iMl— Mikku 🐼 (@effucktivehumor) June 27, 2024
Shivam Dube to opposition bowlers pic.twitter.com/gdYkjgp7yz
— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) June 27, 2024
In the group stages, Dube was dismissed for 3 against Pakistan and managed an unbeaten 31 against the USA. His subsequent scores were 10 against Afghanistan, 34 against Bangladesh, and 28 against Australia in the Super 8s. These performances did little to bolster his case as a reliable batsman for India.
WATCH – Rahul Dravid Consoles A Distraught Virat Kohli After Early Dismissal
Despite Shivam Dube’s failure, India managed to post a competitive total of 171 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Rohit Sharma led by example, scoring his second consecutive fifty and his third of the tournament. After early dismissals of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant within the powerplay, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav steadied the innings with a crucial 73-run partnership. Sharma eventually scored 57, while Yadav contributed 47. Hardik Pandya’s quickfire 23 runs off 13 balls provided a vital boost towards the end of the innings.
As India gears up to defend their total, the team will hope that their bowlers can compensate for the batting inconsistencies and lead them to the final.