Tall hard-hitting all-rounder set to join Indian squad for the ongoing T20I series

As per emerging reports, the tall hard-hitting all-rounder Shivam Dube is likely to join the Indian T20I squad ahead of the Rajkot T20I. Dube, who was a part of the T20 World Cup-winning squad for India last year, is included in India's T20I squad for the ongoing five-match series against England. 

It is understood that Dube will acquire Nitish Kumar's place in the squad as the latter has suffered an injury from which he hasn't fully recovered. The 31-year-old was previously left out of the squad since the selection committee had already made up their mind to zero down on Hardik and Nitish as their two frontline pace-bowling all founders. But Nitish's injury has opened doors for Dube and he could be someone who could play a key part for India in the ongoing T20I series.

See also: England set to make one change for Chennai T20I

A look at some of his recent performances

Dube featured in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy fixture against Jammu & Kashmir at the BKC Ground in Mumbai where his side suffered a shocking five-wicket defeat. In a match where most of their star performers (excluding Shardul) looked all at sea, Dube failed to open his account and bagged a pair being dismissed on 0 in both innings. 

Previously, Dube suffered a back injury which forced him out of action from the initial phase of the Ranji Trophy season. After his speedy recovery, Dube featured in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and helped Mumbai lift the title under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. Dube did not get the opportunity to bowl in the T20 World Cup last year but managed to leave some impact with the bat scoring 133 runs across eight innings which includes his top score of 34 against Bangladesh. His last international outing for India came during the Sri Lankan white-ball tour which ended in abject disappointment as he averaged only 13 and 11.33 in T20I and ODI series respectively.