Piyush Chawla stated that Shivam Dube will play a key role for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), having done so well in the recently concluded T20 World Cup for India.
Chawla said that Dube will look to give himself some time in the middle as he knows he can make up for it once he gets set. The former India leg-spinner added that the all-rounder’s presence at the crease during the middle overs will be important for the five-time champions.
“Now he has that confidence. When he walks into the middle, he takes his time because he knows that he can cover it up in a couple of overs. That’s what belief does to you as a player,” the former India spinner responded when asked about Dube’s potential role for CSK in IPL 2026 during a discussion on Star Sports.
“He has done that for India. Now, in the IPL, CSK are also expecting him to do the same. So he has a big role to play now because when you talk about the middle overs, CSK will definitely be looking at Shivam Dube to go out there and play those crucial knocks,” he added.
During the T20 World Cup, Dube amassed 235 runs from eight innings at an average of 39.17 and a strike rate of 169.06.
The team is expecting a lot from him because of the way he started in the IPL: Chawla on Ayush Mhatre
Ayush Mhatre played some brilliant knocks for CSK in IPL 2025. The youngster will be high on confidence, having recently led India to victory in the Under-19 World Cup. Chawla mentioned that CSK will have high expectations from the Mumbai batter this season.
“The team is expecting a lot from him because of the way he started in the IPL. He played some crucial knocks, and the thing is the intent. We talk about that in the T20 format, and that’s what he has actually shown. His confidence will definitely be high after winning the Under-19 World Cup,” he replied.
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The 2011 ODI World Cup winner said that Mhatre might not get to open this season, with experienced stars like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson being in CSK’s ranks. Chawla opined that the youngster might have to bat at No. 3 or 4.
“He has played first-class cricket as well, and that also gives you a lot of confidence as a player because he has done decently well for Mumbai. He will just learn something from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson. He might not get to open the innings, but maybe No. 3 or No. 4. He can fill that slot,” Chawla observed.
