Piyush Chawla said that Shivam Dubey will play a key role for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), having performed so well for India in the recently concluded T20 World Cup.
Chawla said that Dubey would like to give himself some time in the middle as he knows that he can make up for it once he gets set. The former India leg spinner said the all-rounder's presence at the crease during the middle overs will be crucial for the five-time champions.
When asked about Dubey's potential role for CSK in IPL 2026 during a discussion on Star Sports, the former India spinner replied, “He has that confidence now. When he comes in the middle, he takes his time because he knows he can cover it in a few overs. That confidence works for you as a player.”
“He has done that for India. Now, in the IPL, CSK is also expecting him to do the same. So he has to play a bigger role now because when you talk about the middle overs, CSK will definitely be looking at Shivam Dubey to go out there and play important innings,” he said.
During the T20 World Cup, Dubey scored 235 runs in eight innings at an average of 39.17 and a strike rate of 169.06.
The way he started in the IPL, the team has high expectations from him: Chawla on Ayush Mhatre
Ayush Mhatre played some brilliant innings for CSK in IPL 2025. The young players will be full of confidence, having recently led India to victory in the Under-19 World Cup. Chawla said that CSK will have high expectations from the Mumbai batsman this season.
He replied, “The team has a lot of expectations from him because of the way he has started in the IPL. He has played some important innings and has shown intent. We talk about it in the T20 format and he has really shown that. His confidence will definitely be high after winning the Under-19 World Cup.”
The 2011 ODI World Cup winner said that with experienced stars like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson in CSK, Mhatre may not get a chance to open this season. Chawla said that the young player may have to bat at number 3 or 4.
“He has also played first-class cricket and that gives you a lot of confidence as a player because he has done well for Mumbai. He will learn something from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson. He may not get a chance to open the innings, but maybe No. 3 or No. 4. He can fill that spot,” Chawla said.
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