Dube talks about his bowling as Kapil Dev
Shivam Dube, the rising star of Indian cricket, has been making waves with his all-round abilities. While his batting prowess has been well-documented, it is his bowling that has recently caught the attention of cricketing pundits, particularly his former coach Stephen Fleming. In a candid interview, Fleming drew an intriguing parallel between Dube’s bowling style and the legendary Kapil Dev, hinting at the young all-rounder’s untapped potential.
Dube’s Bowling Transformation under Fleming’s Tutelage
Shivam Dube’s journey with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has been a transformative one, with Stephen Fleming playing a pivotal role in nurturing his skills. During their time together, Fleming has invested substantial effort in ensuring that Dube realizes his full potential, both as a batter and as a bowler. The results of this mentorship have been evident in Dube’s steady rise, as he has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Dube’s Bowling Potential: Echoes of Kapil Dev
In a recent interview, Fleming spoke highly of Dube’s bowling abilities, drawing a striking comparison to the legendary Kapil Dev. “If his bowling is the way he talks about it, he’s like Kapil Dev,” Fleming remarked, highlighting the young all-rounder’s confidence and self-belief in his bowling prowess. This comparison is particularly intriguing, as Kapil Dev is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the game, known for his devastating medium-pace bowling and game-changing performances.
Dube’s Bowling Versatility: A Valuable Asset for Team India
With the T20 World Cup looming, Dube’s role as a bowling all-rounder has become increasingly crucial for Team India. Fleming emphasized that Dube’s gentle medium pace can be a valuable asset, particularly on the slow, drop-in pitches in New York. “He can be awkward (to face) in the right conditions, which you’d say would be a little bit slow, where his cutters and change of pace could play a part,” Fleming noted, suggesting that Dube’s bowling skills could be a game-changer for the Indian team.
Dube’s Batting Prowess: A Finisher in the Making
While Dube’s bowling has been the focus of recent discussions, Fleming also highlighted the all-rounder’s batting potential. The former New Zealand captain believes that Dube can be a formidable finisher for the Indian team, capable of dominating spinners and providing a much-needed power-hitting boost in the death overs. “He might also create the opportunity down the line as one of the finishers. He can be a really technical player,” Fleming stated, suggesting that Dube’s versatility could make him a valuable asset for the Indian team.
The Impact Player Rule: A Double-Edged Sword for All-Rounders
One interesting aspect that Fleming touched upon was the impact of the controversial Impact Player rule, which has affected the role of all-rounders like Dube. “With the impact player rule, it actually diminishes the role of an all-rounder or a part-time bowler who bats well, which is bit of a shame,” Fleming acknowledged, highlighting the challenges faced by players who excel in both disciplines.
Dube’s Bowling Workload: Preparing for the T20 World Cup
Recognizing the importance of Dube’s bowling skills, Fleming revealed that the all-rounder has been working tirelessly on his bowling during the IPL season. “He’s been doing his bowling, he has had his loads up,” Fleming noted, indicating that Dube has been putting in the necessary hard work to be ready for the T20 World Cup.
Dube’s Bowling Variations: A Potential Game-Changer
According to Fleming, Dube’s ability to utilize various bowling variations, such as cutters and changes of pace, could be a valuable asset on the slow, drop-in pitches in New York. “He can play a part, he can do a job and he has worked very hard on it,” Fleming remarked, suggesting that Dube’s adaptability and commitment to his craft could make him a formidable opponent for the opposition.
Dube’s Batting Versatility: Adapting to Different Match Situations
In addition to his bowling prowess, Dube’s batting versatility has also been highlighted by Fleming. The former CSK coach believes that Dube’s ability to take down spinners and provide a power-hitting boost in the middle overs could be a game-changer for the Indian team. “With spinners operating, he can be a real bonus. He not only gives you a boost in the middle overs but it also makes teams change tactics,” Fleming explained, emphasizing Dube’s potential to disrupt the opposition’s plans.
Dube’s Emergence as a Finisher: A Valuable Addition to the Indian Lineup
Looking ahead, Fleming sees Dube as a potential finisher for the Indian team, capable of changing the course of the game with his power-hitting abilities. “He might also create the opportunity down the line as one of the finishers. He can be a really technical player,” Fleming stated, highlighting Dube’s diverse skill set and the impact he could have on the team’s performance.
Dube’s Role in the T20 World Cup: Unlocking India’s Potential
As the T20 World Cup approaches, Dube’s inclusion in the Indian squad has sparked excitement among fans and experts alike. Fleming’s insights suggest that the young all-rounder could be a valuable asset for the team, with his bowling prowess and batting versatility offering a unique dimension to India’s lineup. “How he is used is very important,” Fleming emphasized, underscoring the need for the Indian team to maximize Dube’s potential and utilize him effectively in the tournament.
Conclusion
Shivam Dube’s journey from a promising all-rounder to a potential game-changer for the Indian team has been a captivating one. With Stephen Fleming’s glowing endorsement of his bowling abilities and the parallels drawn to the legendary Kapil Dev, Dube’s rise has captured the attention of the cricketing world. As the T20 World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on Dube and his ability to channel the spirit of Kapil Dev, showcasing his versatility and leading the Indian team to glory.
