RCB vs CSK IPL 2024 Match 1: Why is Shivam Dube not playing today’s match?

Shivam Dube is missing out in RCB vs CSK IPL 2024 Match 1 as a precautionary measure after returning from injury.

Why is Shivam Dube not playing today’s match?

Earlier in the year, he was sidelined from the Ranji Trophy knockouts due to injury, has rejoined the CSK squad after completing his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, as per reports.

The defending champions CSK are gearing up to kickstart their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with two consecutive home games against the Royal Challengers on March 22 and the Gujarat Titans on March 26.

Earlier, Dube, CSK’s designated spin-hitter, had to sit out the Ranji Trophy 2023–24 quarter-final clash between Mumbai and Baroda due to a side strain injury. Consequently, he also missed the remaining matches of the premier Indian domestic league.

Despite the setback, the 30-year-old batter played a pivotal role in CSK’s victorious season last year. Dube amassed 418 runs, including three half-centuries, at an impressive strike rate of 158.33. His explosive batting saw him smash 12 fours and 35 sixes.

Furthermore, the all-rounder emerged as the third-highest run-scorer for CSK in the 2023 season, trailing behind Devon Conway (672 runs) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (530 runs).

Chennai Super Kings Playing XI

Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Ravindra Jadeja, Sameer Rizvi, MS Dhoni(w), Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Mustafizur Rahman, Tushar Deshpande