India have been without Hardik Pandya for an extended period due to injury. He last donned the national jersey during the Asia Cup in September, but has since been sidelined. However, former Indian batting coach Abhishek Nayar believes that in the T20 format, Pandya’s absence is not being felt as much in the current Indian squad. Nayar attributes this largely to the consistent all-round performances of Shivam Dube.
On Thursday, during the fourth T20 of the series against Australia at Queensland’s Carrara Oval, Dube played a crucial role in India’s 48-run victory. He scored 22 runs off 18 balls and took two key wickets—Mitchell Marsh and Tim David—turning the match decisively in India’s favour.
Speaking at the post-match press conference with GeoStar, Nayar said:
“We always say that Hardik Pandya is an essential all-rounder for India. But match after match, Shivam Dube has proven that he can fill that role. Hardik’s absence is not felt as much because Shivam bowls critical overs, takes big wickets, and contributes with the bat according to the situation.”
Nayar added:
“In the fourth T20, he again scored important runs and, when Australia was trying to accelerate, took two crucial wickets. He may not yet officially carry the ‘best all-rounder’ tag, but he is doing everything expected of a top Indian all-rounder.”
While Hardik’s return remains uncertain, Dube’s performances are providing the team management with a valuable alternative. With him in the squad, India are managing well, and Pandya’s absence is not impacting the team as significantly.
