Shivam Dube bags stunning fifer in Ranji Trophy semis as CSK get massive boost from ace all-rounder before IPL 2025

Shivam Dube has failed to make his spot in the India Cricket Team squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. But like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mohammed Siraj, he has been kept as a non-traveling reserve. Currently in India, he is playing for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy semi-finals. And, the ace all-rounder showcased his class by bagging a fifer to prove that he has a lot to offer. This not only keeps India an option for the upcoming ICC event, and even more in helping Dube find his rhythm before IPL 2025.

It was Vidarbha who dominated Mumbai on Day 1 of the semis in Ranji Trophy. Shivam Dube had previously taken 2 wickets yesterday after scalping PR Rekhade and Karun Nair. But on Day 2, it was all his show. He bagged 3 wickets quickly to finish his fifer and get the opponent bowled out for 383.

Massive boost for CSK before IPL 2025

Shivam Dube was retained by Chennai Super Kings on IPL 2025 Retention Deadline Day for a price of 12 crores. Over the last couple of seasons, he has been one of the standout performers for the Yellow Army. His prolific hitting and all-round skills earned him a place in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad as well.

But the 31-year-old now bagging a fifer in the Ranji Trophy is a huge boost for him as a player and also for his IPL side as well. On the other hand, it is also a boost for the India squad. Despite being a non-traveling reserve, he can be added back into the squad, if any player from the squad gets injured and is ruled out of the tournament.

The Men in Blue can then appeal to the ICC for the player swap to take place. All in all, it is a win-win scenario both for CSK and the Men in Blue. Furthermore, with Dube getting into his form and continuing his rhythm after a decent IND vs ENG T20I series, it is crucial that he plays a vital role in CSK’s upcoming challenge for the IPL title.