Aakash Chopra Bats For Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Says Keep Them Both In T20 World Cup Squad

Former Indian cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra has expressed his view on all-rounders Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya. Both the cricketers have proved their metals and are betting for the all-rounder's position in Team India for the upcoming T20 World Cup slated for June this year. In a video, on his YouTube Channel, Aakash Chopra said that team management and coach should think about keeping them both in the squad for the World Championship which will be held in the United States and West Indies.

Aakash Chopra also compared Shivam Dube with former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh stating both have aggressive batting approaches. On the other hand, Hardik Pandya who has been rested following his ankle injury is undoubtedly a match-winner and set to rejoin the team.

"Shivam Ati Sundaram - his power is talking loudly. I felt he was sent slightly early in the third match. You could have sent either Sanju Samson or Rinku Singh ahead of him because he is not a grafter, he is an attacker. He reminds me of Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh). So you need to keep him slightly down the order," Aakash Chopra said.

"The way he hit sixes in the first two matches, the power was evident. Some people have even said to leave Hardik and pick Dube. I am saying keep both. Shivam Dube is a real contender based on these three matches. If he does well in the IPL, it will be the icing on the cake," the former India opener added.

IPL 2024: Test For Selectors

The BCCI selections panel led by Ajit Agarkar is surely closely monitoring players' performance at the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) which will help them in picking the best talent for the T20 World Cup. Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, and others are the frontrunners for the ticket to the World Cup this time.