Shivam Dube Discusses Bumrah's Status and Team Dynamics Ahead of T20I

Dube Comments on Bumrah's Participation

Shivam Dube, the Indian all-rounder, has shared insights regarding Jasprit Bumrah's potential return for the fourth T20I against South Africa, scheduled for December 17 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Bumrah had to miss the third T20I in Dharamshala due to personal matters, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

"From what I've heard, he is expected to be available for the match. However, I can't confirm anything with absolute certainty," Dube mentioned during the pre-match press conference.

Support for Gill and Suryakumar

Shubman Gill, the vice-captain of the T20I team, has been facing challenges with his performance, having accumulated only 32 runs across three matches, resulting in a disappointing average of 10.37. When asked about Gill's struggles, Dube expressed, "Shubman is a talented player whose performance may fluctuate, but his overall statistics are impressive. He has consistently delivered for the Indian team over the years and is among the top batters in the country."

Dube also extended his support to Suryakumar Yadav, the T20I captain, who is also experiencing a dip in form. "He possesses the ability to single-handedly secure victories. Just because he is currently out of form doesn't diminish his talent. He remains one of the finest players, and his unique skills are unmatched," Dube stated.

"While he may not be scoring runs at the moment, I believe his form will return when it matters most. He is a resilient player who can turn the game around at any moment," Dube added.

Dube's Fitness and Bowling Improvements

Dube shared that he has focused on enhancing his fitness during the off-season and has benefited from discussions with India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel. "I've dedicated significant time to my fitness, and my conversations with Morne have been invaluable," he noted.

"T20 cricket requires strategic thinking. I was aware of my bowling capabilities but lacked clarity on execution. With support from Gautam Gambhir and captain Surya, I gained confidence in my ability to perform under pressure," he explained.

Axar Patel's Replacement

In other news, Axar Patel has been ruled out of the remaining T20I matches against South Africa due to illness, as announced by the BCCI. The board confirmed that Patel will remain with the team in Lucknow for further medical evaluation.

Shahbaz Ahmed has been named as Patel's replacement for the upcoming matches in Lucknow and Ahmedabad.

Current Series Status

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa is set to take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on December 17, followed by the fifth and final match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19.

India currently leads the five-match series with a score of 2-1.