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‘Future of Pace Bowling All-Rounder’ - Harbhajan Backs Shivam Dube Over Hardik Pandya

image-lragwptyShivam Dube | Source: X.com

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh showered accolades on Shivam Dube following team India’s six wicket win over Afghanistan in the first T20I at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Thursday, January 11. 

Dube played a pivotal role in India's successful run chase, scoring an unbeaten 60 off 40 deliveries, as the hosts hunted down the target in 17.3 overs. As an all-rounder, he also bowled two overs, claiming a wicket and conceding only nine runs. 

Meanwhile, Harbhajan expressed confidence in Dube's potential to be a reliable pace-bowling all-rounder for Team India, addressing a department that has faced challenges in finding consistent options across various formats. 

Here’s what Harbhajan Singh said -

"One major change that I saw in Shivam Dube was his bowling pace, he has added a bit of it into his bowling now. His pace has definitely improved and he has clearly worked on his fitness. He can be the long-term pace bowling all-rounder that India are looking for. If Shivam Dube scores runs in the remaining matches as well, it will be difficult to ignore him.” 

Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh praised the players of both teams for playing in the challenging conditions of Mohali, where the temperature dropped to single-digit degrees Celsius during the match. The bowlers struggled to grip the ball while the fielders also had issues constantly. 

"I laud the players for playing in such cold conditions, even the spectators as well who came to see the match in such weather. I used to also play in similar conditions during my career, whether it be in Mohali or Dharamsala, and it can be tricky at times.” 

India has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second match between the two sides is set to take place at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.