IPL 2024: Big boost for CSK as Shivam Dube gets clearance from NCA ahead of tournament opener

CSK retained Shivam Dube for Rs 4 crores ahead of the IPL 2024 mini-auction.

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) received a positive news on March 21 as all-rounder Shivam Dube, who missed Ranji Trophy knockouts due to an injury, has linked up with the CSK squad after completing his rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, according to reports.

The defending champions CSK, are all set to begin their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with two back-to-back home games against the Royal Challengers on March 22 and the Gujarat Titans on March 26.

Earlier, CSK’s designated spin-hitter Dube was ruled out of the Ranji Trophy 2023–24 quarter-final match between Mumbai and Baroda due to a side strain injury, and he also missed the remaining games of the elite Indian domestic league.

The 30-year-old batter played a crucial part in CSK’s title-winning season last year. Dube smashed 418 runs along with three half-centuries at an astounding strike rate of 158.33 and hammered 12 fours and 35 sixes.

The all-rounder was also the third-highest run-getter for CSK in the 2023 season, behind Devon Conway (672 runs) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (530 runs).

IPL 2024 a big opportunity for Shivam Dube: Aakash Chopra

The Indian all-rounder had a brilliant three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. His stunning form with the bat saw him smash 124 runs across the Afghanistan series, which included a remarkable 60 off 40 balls in Mohali, followed by an unbeaten 62 off 32 balls in Indore. Dube was also named the Player of the Series for doing well with both bat and ball.

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said that Dube has the chance to have a stunning IPL 2024 edition, which might assure his place in the Indian squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and the West Indies. 

“In my opinion, it’s a huge opportunity for Shivam Dube as his name could come for the World Cup. He first scored runs for India in T20Is and then scored runs in the Ranji Trophy, and picked up wickets as well. So he has a big opportunity here,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Chennai Super Kings schedule for first phase of IPL 2024

Match 1: CSK vs RCB, March 22, Friday, Chennai

Match 7: CSK vs GT, March 26, Tuesday, Chennai

Match 13: DC vs CSK, March 31, Sunday, Vishakapatnam

Match 18: SRH vs CSK, April 5, Friday, Hyderabad

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