• Source:JND
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Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming is confident of all-rounder Shivam Dube becoming an impactful player for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup after unleashing his more mature and potent version in the ongoing IPL 2024 season.

Dube has worked a lot on his skills to show his true batting prowess in the middle order for five-time champions. The left-handed batter reaped the results of his big-hitting skills with a spot in the 15-member squad for the T20I pinnacle in the West Indies and the USA.

"He is a lot more complete in terms of what he is trying to do, understanding his game, and that comes from experience. We have worked hard on areas he wasn't so strong, but also continuing to develop his strength. So, if that form continues, he is going to be an impactful player for India (at the World Cup)," Fleming said ahead of their match against Punjab Kings.

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The 30-year-old is the second-highest run-getter for CSK in the tournament with 350 runs in nine outings at a strike rate of 172.41, including three half-centuries.

"He has been fantastic. He has proven this year that there is a lot more to him than just playing spin (better)," said the former Kiwi skipper.

CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is their leading scorer with 447 runs including one century and three fifties, missed out in the squad.
Asked if it was harsh to Gaikwad, Hussey said: "No... I understand the quality of players India have to try and select, (it) is very difficult. Ruturaj has done what he can, and he must be close," he said.

"We hold him in the highest regard. I love the craft that he shows, and his (last) two performances have been quite majestic.

"It's not just wham-bham, but he has displayed the mastery of batting. And the form that he is right now and the control that he has, it's quite outstanding.

"It's not now, but there will be another change for him. If he continues his form and keeps playing well throughout the year, I will be very surprised if he is not called in."

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Commenting further on his batting and leadership, Fleming said: “His batting has continued from what it was. He has been spectacular the last few years.

"As for captaincy, he has taken it up in his stride as he has also led his domestic team. He is very much in the mould of CSK. Very understated, lowkey and incredibly calm."

CSK will take on Punjab Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday, May 1. The defending champions are placed third in the points table with 10 points in nine matches while Punjab sit at eighth place with six points in nine games.

(With PTI inputs)