Ahead of the do-or-die clash against Zimbabwe in Chennai, Mohammed Kaif criticised and raised questions over Shivam Dube’s role in Team India’s playing XI. The former India all-rounder said, ‘Dube is a batter, not an allrounder’. Further, he also added, ‘We don’t need an all-rounder who bowls at 120 kmph.’ However, he also backs opener Sanju Samson to fit in to the playing XI to maintain a left-right combination. Kaif’s blunt message to Team India came after Dube’s poor bowling performance against South Africa in Ahmedabad on Feb 22. India’s all-rounder has conceded 32 runs in his two overs and has managed to pick only one wicket, as South Africa made a strong comeback with the bat and took the game away from us. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson got only a single chance to perform against Namibia, replacing unwell Abhishek Sharma and scored 22 runs off 8 balls. India’s battle against the mighty Zimbabwe will be a crucial one in terms of Team India’s qualification for the semi-final in the T20 World Cup 2026. ‘Shivam Dube is a batter, not a all-rounder’ – Mohammed Kaif Before the crucial match against Zimbabwe in Chennai’s iconic Chepauk Stadium, former India all-rounder Mohammed Kaif criticised and questioned over Shivam Dube’s performance in the playing XI. He said, “With the field and his plan to bowl wide to Brevis, Dube showed that he wanted to be very defensive. Nobody bowls defensively in the 10th over. You looked to attack and try to take a wicket at that time. According to me, Dube is a batter; he is not an all-rounder.” “We don’t need an all-rounder who bowls at 120 kph. He might take an odd wicket but will always go for runs. He can even concede four sixes in an over against West Indies,” he added further. Dube has taken seven wickets in 10 matches, maintaining a bowling average of 19.57 this year. However, his economy rate has remained above 10 and he has struggled to control the flow of runs with the ball during the ongoing T20 World Cup. Kaif backs Sanju Samson in Team India’s playing XI While criticising Due’s bowling performance, Kaif backs Sanju Samson to play and fit him in the playing XI to maintain the left-right combination in the top order. He said, “There should be a balance in everything.” “We have gone overboard with lefties, where there are six left-handed batters in the top eight. Hardik is coming at No. 5 for the left-right combination. If you think it could be your winning formula, make a squad keeping that in mind. Bring in Sanju to get that left-right combination”, Kaif concluded. Post navigation ‘No need to abuse players’ families’:Tabraiz Shamsi stands with Salman Agha’s wife family; netizens abuse after defeat to England
