'He gives you option': Ex-India cricketer names Hardik Pandya's backup for ODI World Cup

The ongoing IND vs IRE three-match T20I series is very special for many Indian players like skipper Jasprit Bumrah, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and more. At one end, Bumrah made his return to the cricketing field after 327 days, Dube also came back to the side, after remaining out of the team for almost 2.5 years. 

3 things you need to know 

• Team India currently lead the three-match series at a scoreline of 1-0 
• The first match was called off due to rain, and the Indian team won the match by 2 runs (DLS) 
• Jasprit Bumrah made an excellent return to the team and picked up two wickets 

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Aakash Chopra wants to see Shivam Dube being used as a bowler 

(Shivam Dube while playing a T20I match for Team India against West Indies / Image: BCCI) 

Former Indian cricket team opener Aakash Chopra, while speaking on his YouTube channel, has revealed his interesting wish and wants to see Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube as a bowler. Chopra believes that Hardik Pandya is the team's designated finisher and fast bowling all-rounder, whereas, on the other hand, Dube is not a quality bowler, but can be used as an option. Aakash Chopra said: 

I want to see how much Shivam Dube is used. He was given one over in the last match. Will they try to bowl him more overs in this match? While Hardik Pandya is your designated finisher and fast-bowling all-rounder and Shivam Dube might not have as much bowling ability, he gives you an option. So you should definitely exercise that option. 

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IPL performance leads Shivam Dube's India comeback 

While Shivam Dube was dropped from the team due to his inconsistent performance, the left-handed Mumbai all-rounder impressed really well with his performance for CSK in the Indian Premier League. Dube scored 411 runs from 16 matches at a strike rate of 159.92 and also hit gigantic sixes while coming down the order. 

Apart from the Ireland tour, Shivam Dube is also a part of Team India for the Asian Games 2023 starting from September 23, 2023. The Indian team will be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad in the Asian Olympics to be held in Hangzhou and will aim to win a gold medal for the team.