All-rounder Shivam Dube is set to join India’s squad for the ongoing five-match T20I series against England after Nitish Kumar Reddy suffered an injury setback. Dube, who recently represented Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, will link up with the team in Rajkot, where the third T20I will be played.
According to reports from The Indian Express, Dube was called up as Nitish Kumar Reddy has not recovered from an earlier injury. Reddy, who featured in the first T20I against England in Kolkata, did not bowl or bat during the game but contributed with two catches.
Dube’s Recent Form and Recovery
Shivam Dube’s recent outing for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir was disappointing, as he was dismissed for ducks in both innings. Mumbai also faced a crushing defeat in that match. Despite this, Dube has been given an opportunity to strengthen India’s squad in the ongoing series.
Dube, who was initially left out of the T20I squad in favor of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Hardik Pandya, has been working on his fitness after recovering from a back injury that had sidelined him during the initial phase of the Ranji Trophy season. He made a strong comeback during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played a key role in Mumbai’s championship-winning campaign under Shreyas Iyer.
Shivam Dube’s International Achievements
Dube was part of India’s triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup squad, where he played a pivotal role. He amassed 133 runs in the tournament, including a crucial 27-run knock in the final against South Africa. His most recent T20I appearance came in July 2024, in a match against Sri Lanka.
India’s Dominant Start to the Series
India kicked off the T20I series with a commanding seven-wicket victory over England in Kolkata. Standout performances came from Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy, who helped secure a comprehensive win for the hosts. The second T20I is scheduled for Saturday at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium.
With Shivam Dube’s addition to the squad, India will look to maintain their winning momentum and continue their strong run in the series.
