For the remaining series against England, all-rounder Shivam Dube is probably going to be a part of India’s T20I team in Rajkot. The announcement of Dube’s induction follows Nitish Kumar Reddy’s injury concern. Notably, during the first game of the series in Kolkata, Abhishek Sharma also had an ankle twist.
In August 2024, Shivam Dube made his final appearance for his country in an ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Since then, a back injury has kept him out of India’s home T20I series against Bangladesh. But in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the all-rounder made a spectacular return. At a strike rate of 179.76, Dube amassed 151 runs in five innings while taking three wickets.
Journalist Gaurav Gupta of the Times of India claims that the Mumbai cricket player has now been called up for national duty for the remaining Twenty20 International leg of the current series against England. Dube is expected to join the Indian team following the second Twenty20 International, which begins on Saturday, January 25.
Breaking: Mumbai’s India allrounder Shivam Dube has been asked to join the Indian team in Rajkot from third T20I!
— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) January 25, 2025
Dube most recently played for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy match against Jammu & Kashmir. When Mumbai lost by five wickets, he took just one wicket and was dismissed for a duck in both innings.
The hosts, meanwhile, are facing yet another injury scare when opener Abhishek Sharma twisted his right ankle during a warm-up before the second Twenty20 International in Chennai. Abhishek was able to walk with assistance and hit the nets later, but his discomfort makes it unclear if he will be able to play.
Abhishek led India to a resounding victory in the first game of the five-match series with a high score of 79 runs, giving the team a 1-0 lead. The management of the squad will have to make a difficult decision on Sanju Samson’s opening partner if Abhishek is injured. Though neither is a specialized opener, Tilak Varma and Dhruv Jurel are options.
Mohammed Shami, who missed the first game due to rest, may also return for the series’ opening match. In Chennai, the speedster was observed bowling at the nets at full speed. His session was extensively observed by bowling instructor Morne Morkel.